The position or area above something; on top of; up (spatial).
箱の上に鍵がある。
There's a key on top of the box.
空の上を飛行機がゆっくり飛んでいる。
An airplane is slowly flying up in the sky.
棚の上に本を並べた。
I arranged books on the shelf.
The top or summit; the upper part of something (e.g., the head of a staircase, summit of a mountain).
山の上に着くと、景色が一変した。
When we reached the top of the mountain, the scenery changed completely.
階段の上に小さな休憩スペースがある。
There is a small rest area at the top of the stairs.
屋上から街の夜景を眺めた。
I looked at the city's night view from the rooftop.
The surface or outer side; being on or upon something (on top of).
机の上にコップを置かないでください。
Please don't put cups on the desk.
白い布の上に絵の具が落ちた。
Paint dropped onto the white cloth.
鏡の上にほこりがかぶっている。
There's dust on the mirror.
Refers to what was mentioned earlier in a text or discussion; 'the above' or 'earlier part'.
上で説明した理由により、この案は採用できない。
For the reasons explained above, this proposal cannot be adopted.
上の表をご覧ください。
Please look at the table above.
上で述べた点をもう一度確認してください。
Please check once more the points mentioned above.
Superior or better; higher in rank, position, or class (the upper class/grade).
彼はクラスで上の成績を取った。
He got one of the top grades in the class.
上の階級の人々は別室で食事をする。
People of the higher class eat in a separate room.
上位に入るにはもっと練習が必要だ。
You need more practice to get into the top ranks.
Being older or senior to someone (elder; senior). Often used in compounds like 年上.
彼には年上の兄が二人いる。
He has two older brothers.
先輩は立場が上だから、意見を尊重するべきだ。
The senior is in a higher position, so you should respect their opinion.
年上の友達と話すのは勉強になる。
Talking with older friends is educational.
Used in constructions like 〜上で to mean 'with respect to', 'in terms of', or 'from the standpoint of' (concerning X).
安全上の理由で、その扉は施錠されています。
For safety reasons, that door is locked.
学習上の注意点を黒板に書いた。
I wrote points to note for studying on the blackboard.
健康上の問題があれば医師に相談してください。
If you have health-related problems, consult a doctor.
Used as 〜上に to mean 'besides', 'in addition to', or 'on top of that'.
彼は親切な上に仕事も早い。
He's kind, and on top of that, he works quickly.
値段が高い上に品質も悪かった。
Not only was it expensive, but the quality was also bad.
雨が降った上に風も強くなった。
It rained, and on top of that the wind got stronger.
Used as 〜上で to mean 'after', 'upon', or 'as a result of' doing something (often indicating a prerequisite or basis for action).
よく相談した上で結論を出しましょう。
Let's make a decision after discussing it thoroughly.
十分に検討した上で申し込みます。
I'll apply after considering it carefully.
確認の上で発送します。
We'll ship it after confirmation.
Used as 〜上は to mean 'since/now that' (given that X is the case), indicating a decision or judgment based on that premise.
約束した上は守るべきだ。
Now that you've promised, you should keep it.
行くと決めた上は最後までやるつもりだ。
Since I've decided to go, I intend to see it through to the end.
責任者である上は、対策を講じなければならない。
Now that you're the person responsible, you must take measures.
An honorific suffix used after a person's name (e.g., 父上) to show respect; venerable/dear (sonkeigo).
父上は今日はお出かけになりました。
My father has gone out today. (honorific)
王上の命令に従いなさい。
Obey the orders of His Majesty (the king).
お父上がお待ちです。
Your father is waiting. (very polite/old-fashioned)
(Archaic) A term referring to the emperor, sovereign, shogun, or daimyo; used historically as a honorific title.
古い記録では、『上』が国を治める存在として記されている。
In old records, '上' is recorded as the ruler of the country.
この時代の文献では、上は臣下に命じを下した。
In documents of this era, the '上' issued orders to vassals.