上の
ue no
The Japanese word for 'upper' is 上の (ue no).
上の is an adjective used to describe something that is at a higher level, rank or position.
Meaning: at a higher level, rank or position (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 上 (ue), meaning 'top' or 'above' and the particle の (no), which functions as a possessive or attributive particle linking two nouns. Together, they mean 'of the top' or 'of the upper'.
Which one should you use?
While 上の describes a position or rank, it is distinct from 上記, which specifically means 'the above' in the context of written text.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to describe a noun, the particle の is required between 上 (ue) and the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
ue no
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific term 上座 (kamiza) meaning 'upper seat', which is the seat of honor reserved for the most important person in a room.
- The word 上 is used in the term 上等 (jōtō), which literally means 'upper grade' but is used colloquially to mean 'great' or 'fine with me'.
- The character 上 can be read as 'ue' when used as a noun, but it is read as 'jō' in compound words like 上限 (upper limit).
Examples in context
- 右上の親知らずが痛みます。My upper right wisdom tooth hurts.This sentence is useful for describing a specific tooth using the form 上の.Tatoeba #189904 by bunbuku, translation #27060 by CK
- 昨日から右の上の奥歯がうずくんです。My upper-right molar has been throbbing since yesterday.This sentence is useful for describing a molar using the form 上の.Tatoeba #1070922 by bunbuku, translation #5147471 by kemushi69
- 上の階の部屋に住んでいます。ue no kai no heya ni sunde imasu.I live in the room on the upper floor.
Example conversation
Two neighbors meeting in the hallway of an apartment building.
- 陽葵 Himari上の階の陽太さんですか？ue no kai no Yota-san desu ka?Are you Yota-san from the upper floor?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、そうです。hai, sou desu.Yes, that's right.
- 陽葵 Himariよろしくお願いします、陽葵です。yoroshiku onegaishimasu, Himari desu.Nice to meet you, I'm Himari.
- 陽太 Yotaこちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。kochira koso, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you, too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “upper” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
