上

shàng

In Chinese, the word '上' corresponds to the English term 'up'. It is frequently used in the same context as in English, to denote something that is at a higher place or position. It is used as an adjective, verb or preposition based on the context. The setup and structure of the sentence often helps determine its exact meaning. However, it may also have idiosyncratic uses such as indicating the fact of being in use or operation (as in 'the computer is up').

Example sentences using: 上

请向上看

Qǐng xiàng shàng kàn

Please look up

This sentence is usually used to instruct someone to look in an upwards direction. '向上' means 'upwards'.

上课了

Shàngkè le

Class has started

This sentence is often used in school scenarios to indicate the beginning of class.

上海是一个大城市

Shànghǎi shì yīgè dà chéngshì

Shanghai is a big city

This phrase shows the usage of '上' in a geographical name, Shanghai, which is a big city in China.

我在阅读上犯了一个错误

Wǒ zài yuèdú shàng fànle yīgè cuòwù

I made a mistake in reading

'上' is used to indicate a specific field or area where something takes place, in this case, reading.

上次我们去了公园

Shàng cì wǒmen qùle gōngyuán

We went to the park last time

'上次' means 'last time', indicating a previous event or moment in the past.

我在楼上等你

Wǒ zài lóushàng děng nǐ

I will wait for you upstairs

Here '上' refers to a higher level or floor in a building. '楼上' means 'upstairs'.

他上周去了北京

Tā shàngzhōu qùle běijīng

He went to Beijing last week

In this example, '上' is used to indicate last week. '上周' means 'last week'.

现在该你上场了

Xiànzài gāi nǐ shàng chǎngle

It's your turn to go on stage now

'你上场' means 'you go on stage', '上' here indicates the action of entering a place or participating in an event.

他得上法庭解释

Tā dé shàng fǎtíng jiěshì

He has to explain in court

The term '上法庭' means 'appear in court', indicating the necessity to attend a legal process.

足球队需要上一个强队

Zúqiú duì xūyào shàng yīgè qiángduì

The football team needs to be a strong team

'上一个强队' refers to the need of being a strong team, where '上' indicates 'be' in this context and is commonly used in oral Chinese.