Readings: ジョウ (Onyomi), うえ・あがる・あげる・のぼる (Kunyomi)
Meaning: above, up, over
The kanji 上 is used to express direction or position, such as “up” or “above.” It is commonly used in words like 上手 (skillful), 上がる (to rise), and 上 (top).
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
Radical | 一 (one) |
---|---|
Strokes | 3 |
JLPT Level | N5 |
Grade | 1st Grade |
Readings
Onyomi | ジョウ |
---|---|
Kunyomi | うえ・あがる・あげる・のぼる |
How to Write – Stroke Order
上 is a simple kanji made of three strokes. It’s one of the most common and earliest kanji students learn. It symbolizes direction and elevation.

Example Sentences
Japanese: 上に行きましょう。
Kana: うえにいきましょう。
Romaji: Ue ni ikimashou.
English: Let’s go upstairs.
Japanese: 気温が上がりました。
Kana: きおんがあがりました。
Romaji: Kion ga agarimashita.
English: The temperature has gone up.
Japanese: 彼は日本語が上手です。
Kana: かれはにほんごがじょうずです。
Romaji: Kare wa nihongo ga jouzu desu.
English: He is good at Japanese.
Vocabulary Using 上
Word | Reading | Meaning |
---|---|---|
上 | うえ | above, up |
上がる | あがる | to rise |
上げる | あげる | to raise |
上手 | じょうず | skillful |
登る | のぼる | to climb |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary

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