上は

ue wa

JLPT N2 #53 of 195 in N2

Now that; since; as long as~

Expresses that since a certain decision or situation has been made, one must follow through with the corresponding commitment or consequence.

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How to form it

Attach to the plain past form of a verb (e.g., 決めた上は) or to a noun + の上は (rare).

What it means

This pattern is used when you acknowledge that a certain action or decision has been made, and therefore you have a strong obligation or expectation to follow through. It often appears in formal or written statements, speeches, or serious conversations. It conveys a sense of determination or resignation based on a premise.

The nuance is similar to 'now that' or 'since', but it carries a heavier sense of responsibility. For example, if you say 約束した上は, you mean 'now that I've promised, I must keep it, no matter what.' It is not used for casual, everyday situations like deciding what to eat for lunch.

Note that 上は is quite formal and is often found in business or public announcements. In casual speech, you would more likely use からには, which has a similar meaning but is more common in spoken Japanese.

Example sentences

約束した上は、最後まで責任を持ってやるつもりだ。

Yakusoku shita ue wa, saigo made sekinin o motte yaru tsumori da.

Now that I've promised, I intend to carry it out with responsibility to the end.

この会社に入った上は、一生懸命働くつもりです。

Kono kaisha ni haitta ue wa, isshōkenmei hataraku tsumori desu.

Since I've joined this company, I plan to work hard.

留学を決めた上は、日本語をしっかり勉強するしかない。

Ryūgaku o kimeta ue wa, nihongo o shikkari benkyō suru shika nai.

Now that I've decided to study abroad, there's no choice but to study Japanese seriously.

Don’t confuse it with

からには

からには is more common in spoken and written Japanese and has a similar meaning, but 上は is more formal and often used in written statements or formal speeches. 上は also tends to emphasize a stronger sense of commitment or consequence.

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話

When to use it

Formal and mostly used in written language or formal speeches; not typical in casual conversation.

Next in the N2 path

54

つつあるto be doing; in the process of doing~

57

の下でunder; with~

See the whole Grammar Path →

Questions

What does 上は mean?

Now that; since; as long as~. Expresses that since a certain decision or situation has been made, one must follow through with the corresponding commitment or consequence.

How do you form 上は?

Attach to the plain past form of a verb (e.g., 決めた上は) or to a noun + の上は (rare).

Example of 上は in a sentence

約束した上は、最後まで責任を持ってやるつもりだ。 — Now that I've promised, I intend to carry it out with responsibility to the end.

からには — what is the difference?

からには is more common in spoken and written Japanese and has a similar meaning, but 上は is more formal and often used in written statements or formal speeches. 上は also tends to emphasize a stronger sense of commitment or consequence.

What JLPT level is 上は?

JLPT N2 (upper intermediate), number 53 of 195 in Nihoner's learning order for N2.