Translation and Meaning of: 上 - ue

The Japanese word 上[うえ] is one of those terms that seems simple at first glance, but carries a wealth of meanings and uses that go far beyond the basics. If you've ever wondered how a single expression can mean "above," "upper part," "emperor," and even "my dear (father)," this article will unveil each layer of this linguistic gem. Here, in the largest Japanese dictionary, you will not only understand the translation and origin of 上, but you will also learn its correct writing, practical phrases to include in Anki, and even tips to never forget this kanji.

What makes 上 so special is its versatility. It appears in contexts that range from physical descriptions ("the book is on the table") to social hierarchies ("the shogun is above the daimyo"). And if you’ve ever struggled to differentiate 上 from other similar terms, don’t worry—we'll clarify everything at once, with examples that stick in your memory.

The Origin and Power of the Pictogram

The kanji 上 is a pictogram that originated from the visual representation of something elevated. Its original strokes, found on oracle bones from the Shang dynasty, clearly depicted an object positioned above a horizontal line—an image that has persisted through the centuries. The top part of the character (the short stroke) symbolizes what is high, while the base (the long stroke) establishes the reference of "below." This duality explains why the same ideogram can describe both a physical location ("on top of the shelf") and a position of authority ("the sovereign").

Curiously, the pronunciation うえ (ue) has ancient roots in archaic Japanese, where "ue" already carried the notion of elevation. When scribes adapted Chinese characters, they found in 上 the perfect counterpart for this native word. This combination of meaning and sound created one of the cornerstones of the Japanese vocabulary—present even in everyday expressions like 上の空 (uenosora, "distracted", literally "with one's head in the clouds").

When "Above" Becomes Hierarchy

In Japan, where social relationships are as stratified as the levels of a pagoda, 上 plays a crucial role. Businesspeople talk about 上役 (ueyaku, "hierarchical superiors"), artists revere their 上達 (jōtatsu, "improvement"), and even in Japanese chess (shogi), capturing an enemy piece is 上げる (ageru, "to elevate it" to your side). This overlap between space and status is as natural for native speakers as it is confusing for learners—until one realizes that, in Japanese, climbing steps and climbing in life follow the same linguistic logic.

One fascinating case is the use of 上 in imperial titles. When Emperor Meiji signed the edict abolishing the shogunate, he used 上 to refer to his own authority—a reminder that, in Japanese culture, the pinnacle of political power and the highest point on a map are interchangeable concepts. Even today, in formal documents, the throne is referred to as 御上 (okami), where the kanji functions almost like an emoji of the royal crown.

Tips to Avoid Stumbling in Usage

Whoever has tried to say "about the book" and ended up saying 本の上 (hon no ue) when the correct phrase was 本について (hon ni tsuite) knows that 上 has its pitfalls. The golden rule? Use 上 for concrete spatial relations ("the cup is on the table") and choose other constructions when discussing abstract topics ("let's talk about politics"). A visual tip: think of the kanji as a platform—only what can physically be placed on top of it fits into the literal 上.

To memorize, try associating the three strokes of the kanji to the steps of a staircase. The first (the short upper stroke) is where you are; the second (the horizontal stroke) is the landing; and the third (the vertical stroke) is the support that leads to the next level. This image helps to remember both the writing and the idea of ascent. And when you encounter 上手 (jōzu, "skillful"), think of someone who "climbed up with skill"—mastered a technique to the peak.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 上 (Ue) - above
• 上部 (Joubu) - Parte superior
• 上方 (Jouhou) - Direção superior
• 上側 (Uwaga) - Upper side
• 上位 (Joui) - Nível superior
• 上回り (Uemawari) - Passagem pela parte de cima
• 上級 (Joukyuu) - Avançado, nível superior
• 上昇 (Joushou) - ascensão
• 上昇気流 (Joushou Kiryuu) - Corrente de ar ascendente

上

Romaji: ue
Kana: うえ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: above; about; on top of; upwards; top; summit; surface; much better; higher; (in) authority; regarding ...; furthermore; after; emperor; sovereign; after (examination); influence of (alcohol); lord; shogun; superior; my dear (father)

Meaning in English: above;over;on top of;up;upper part;summit;surface;far better;higher;(in) authority;as far as ... is concerned;besides;after;emperor;sovereign;upon (examination);influence of (liquor);lord;shogun;superior;my dear (father)

Definition: The highest position or highest point of something or somewhere.

Example Sentences - (上) ue

See below some example sentences:

原油の価格が上がった。

Genshi no kakaku ga agatta

The price of gross oil increased.

• 原油 - crude oil
• の - Possession particle
• 価格 - price
• が - subject particle
• 上がった - Subiu

召し上がるものは何ですか？

Moshigagaru mono wa nan desu ka?

What would you like to eat?

What are you eaten?

• 召し上がる - verb that means "to eat" or "to drink" in Japanese
• もの - noun that means "thing" or "item"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "what"
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question

噴出した水蒸気が空に舞い上がった。

Funsu shita suijōki ga sora ni maiagatta

The spat out water vapor flew into the sky.

• 噴出した (funsu shita) - verb meaning "to gush" or "to sneeze"
• 水蒸気 (suijouki) - noun meaning "water vapor"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 空 (sora) - noun meaning "heaven"
• に (ni) - particle indicating the target or location of the action
• 舞い上がった (maiagatta) - verb meaning "to dance up" or "to float", conjugated in the past tense

屋上から星が見える。

Yaneue kara hoshi ga mieru

You can see the stars from the roof.

• 屋上 - roof
• から - of
• 星 - star
• が - subject particle
• 見える - be visible, be seen

彼は上司に指図された。

Kare wa jōshi ni shizu sareta

He was ordered by his boss.

He was instructed by his boss.

• 彼 - personal pronoun "he"
• は - Topic particle
• 上司 - noun "boss"
• に - target particle
• 指図 - noun "order, instruction"
• された - passive form of the verb "to do, to send"

彼はボールを転がすのが上手です。

Kare wa bōru o korogasu no ga jouzu desu

He is good at rolling the ball.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• ボール - Japanese noun that means "ball"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 転がす - Japanese verb meaning "to roll"
• のが - Japanese particle that indicates the nominalization of the previous verb
• 上手 - Japanese adjective that means "good at"
• です - Japanese linking verb that indicates the formality and politeness of the sentence

彼女はとても上手に人を扱う。

Kanojo wa totemo jouzu ni hito o atsukau

She is very good at dealing with people.

She treats people very well.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 上手 (jouzu) - skillful, good
• に (ni) - Target particle
• 人 (hito) - person
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 扱う (atsukau) - deal with, treat

彼女は踊りの振りが上手です。

Kanojo wa odori no furi ga jouzu desu

She is good at doing the dance moves.

She is good at dancing.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 踊り (odori) - dance
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 振り (furi) - Movements
• が (ga) - Subject particle
• 上手 (jouzu) - Skill, skilled
• です (desu) - polite way of being

彼女はピアノを上手に弾く。

Kanojo wa piano wo jouzu ni hiku

She plays the piano very well.

She plays the piano well.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• ピアノ - piano
• を - direct object particle
• 上手に - skillfully
• 弾く - play (an instrument)

彼女は重い荷物を持ち上げた。

Kanojo wa omoi nimotsu o mochiageru

She lifted a heavy load.

She lifted her heavy luggage.

• 彼女 - She
• は - Topic particle
• 重い - Heavy
• 荷物 - Baggage
• を - Direct object particle
• 持ち上げた - Raised