JLPT N2 Grammar – Difference between “〜上で” and “〜上は”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜上で” and “〜上は”
2. A上でB① (Chronological Action)
3. A上でB② (Purpose)
4. A上はB
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similer Articles
8. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “〜上で” and “〜上は”?
A: Although these two expressions look very similar in form, they have significantly different grammatical roles, meanings, and usage.
A上でB① (Chronological Action) (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
First, action A is performed, and then based on its result or content, action B is carried out
[Rule]
[V] Verb past form + 上で
[N] Noun of する verbs + 上で
[Examples]
この件については社長と話し合った上でお返事いたします。
I will respond to this matter after discussing it with the company president.
契約書をよく読んだ上で、ハンコを押してください。
Please read the contract carefully before stamping it.
This grammar pattern is not simply used to show the order of actions like “〜てから.” Instead, it expresses that action B is carried out based on the result or outcome of action A.
It is typically used when both A and B involve the speaker’s intention or judgment.
[Examples]
いつ留学するかは、両親との相談の上で決めます。
I’ll decide when to study abroad after discussing it with my parents.
⇒ This means the decision will be made based on the content of the discussion with the parents.
いい条件の仕事でしたが、よく考えた上で断ることにしました。
It was a good job offer, but I decided to turn it down after careful consideration.
実際に商品を使ってみた上で、感想を教えてください。
Please try the product yourself and let me know your thoughts afterward.
A上でB② (Purpose) (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
In order to ～; For the purpose of ～
[Rule]
[V] Verb dictionary form + 上で
[N] Noun of する verbs + 上で
[Examples]
外国で生活する上で、大切なのは現地の文化を尊重することです。
When living abroad, what’s important is to respect the local culture.
食料品の保存の上で、温度管理は非常に重要です。
In storing food, temperature control is extremely important.
This grammar pattern is used when describing necessary conditions, key points, or important matters in a particular purpose or context.
In A, you describe the “purpose” or “situation.” In B, you mention something “important,” “helpful,” or “necessary” in relation to A.
Therefore, B typically does not express a simple action but rather includes judgment or evaluation.
[Examples]
プロジェクトを成功させる上で、チームワークは欠かせません。
Teamwork is essential for making a project successful.
⇒ This means that teamwork is extremely important for the success of the project.
子供を育てる上で、周囲のサポートや良好な環境は大切なことです。
When raising a child, support from those around and a good environment are very important.
オンライン学習は外国語の勉強の上で、かなり役に立ちます。
Online learning is quite useful for studying foreign languages.
A上はB (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Since A is a fact, it is natural to do B / One judges that B should naturally follow
[Rule]
[V] Verb dictionary form / past form + 上は
[Examples]
やると決めた上は、最後まで責任をもってやり通します。
Since I’ve decided to do it, I’ll carry it through with full responsibility.
試合に出ると決まった上は、必ず勝つ気持ちで挑もう。
Since it’s been decided that I’ll join the match, I’ll face it with a strong will to win.
This grammar pattern is used when expressing the speaker’s strong determination, sense of responsibility, or something that is naturally expected.
In part A, a fact or situation that has already occurred or been decided is presented.
In part B, an action, duty, or resolution that should follow from A is stated.
[Common expressions used in B]
〜べきだ (should), 〜つもりだ (intend to), 〜はずだ (expected to), 〜にちがいない (must be), “〜てはいけない” (must not), etc.
[Examples]
代表に選ばれた上は、責任を持って務めたいです。
Since I was chosen as a representative, I want to fulfill my role with a sense of responsibility.
⇒ This shows that the speaker accepts the fact of being selected and is determined to fulfill their duty.
母国を離れる上は、十分な覚悟をするべきです。
If you are going to leave your home country, you should be fully prepared for it.
一度謝った上は、誠意を見せ続けるべきです。
Once you’ve apologized, you should continue to show sincerity.
Summary
[A上でB]
- ① After-action usage : Indicates a sequence of actions, where “B” is performed after “A” is completed and based on it.
- ② Purpose-related usage : “A” states a proactive goal, and “B” describes necessary conditions, precautions, or important factors for achieving that goal.
[A上はB]
- An expression used to show the speaker’s strong determination or resolve. “A” presents a fact or situation, and “B” expresses the action that follows, showing commitment or a firm decision.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 上は
起業すると決めた上は、成功させるつもりです。
Since I’ve decided to start a business, I intend to make it a success.
*“上は” is appropriate here because it expresses strong determination and resolve regarding starting a business.
A. 上で
よく話し合った上で離婚することにしました。
After thorough discussions, we decided to get divorced.
*“上で” is appropriate here because it means “after discussing” and indicates that the decision was made based on the result of that discussion.
A. 上は
受験する上は必ず合格したいです。
Since I’ve decided to take the entrance exam, I definitely want to pass.
*“上は” is suitable here because it expresses strong will and commitment toward passing the exam.
A. 上で
語学学習の上でデジタルツールは、欠かせないものになっています。
In language learning, digital tools have become indispensable.
*“上で” is appropriate here because it describes the usefulness of digital tools in the context or for the purpose of language learning.
Similer Articles
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