Definitions
(adjective)
above; up; on top; upper
(verb)
to go up; to climb; to get onto
(verb)
to attend (class)
(adjective)
previous; first (of multiple parts)
About
The character 上 originated as a pictographic symbol denoting the concept of "above", with its form visually suggesting one entity positioned over another. In its contemporary structure, it is composed of a vertical stroke intersecting two horizontal strokes, where the upper horizontal is shorter. Initially representing spatial orientation, its semantic range extended to incorporate verbal meanings such as "to ascend" or "to go up", and later abstract applications including "superior", "previous", or "on top of" in both physical and metaphorical contexts. It operates as an independent word and as a semantic element in compound characters, consistently conveying notions related to height, ascent, or precedence.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
上学要迟到了。
他住在楼上。
桌子上有一本书。
我喜欢在晚上散步。
妈妈上楼去睡觉了。
他努力学习，想考上好大学。
这次会议被安排在下个星期三上午。
网络上的信息需要仔细甄别。