Structure
Verb[た]+ 上で
Noun + の + 上で
Details
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Formal
About 上で
上で is an expression in Japanese that is used after the past form of verbs, or nouns followed by の. It shows that something will happen 'after (A)', or 'upon (A)'. This grammar point is used in a similar way to its literal meaning, which is 'with the above/previous (A), (B)'. 上 as 'above', and で as 'with', in で's use as a case marking particle.
上で is a structure that is primarily used in formal settings. Due to this, it will not be used in casual conversations very often. It also strongly hints at (A) being a requirement for (B), or (A) being something that would logically be expected before (B).
Caution
Due to 上で being used to show logical progressions from (A) to (B), (A) cannot be a verb that is passive. Passivity in Japanese often implies that someone/thing has a lack of control in relation to the actions that happen to them/it. As a result of this, (A) not being able to be controlled would result in (B) sounding like it could not be planned for.
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医者に教えられた上で、使用してください。 (Unnatural)Please use this upon being told to be a doctor.
This is different to the way that passivity works in English (simply showing that something received an action upon it).
Synonyms
てから
Once...is done, Once...happens, After doing
Not studied yet
上に
As well, Besides, In addition to
Not studied yet
たら
When, From when, Just when, If
Not studied yet
あとで
After, Later
Not studied yet
た末・の末
After, As a conclusion of
Not studied yet
て初めて
For the first time, Not until, Only after, Only when, Only because
Not studied yet
Examples
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家の中を見た上で、買おうと思っている。
I am thinking that I will buy the house after I have seen the inside. (upon)
説明書を読んだ上で、ご使用ください。
Please use it after reading the instructions. (upon)
変更した上で、間違いがあるかどうか確認するべきだ。
After making changes, you should check whether or not there are any mistakes. (upon)
妻と相談した上で、手術を受けることを決めたいと思う。
I would like to make the decision about undergoing surgery, after I discuss it with my wife. (upon)
慎重な調査の上で、被告は有罪と決定しました。
Upon careful investigation, the defendant has been found guilty. (after)
Self-Study Sentences
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Online
What is the difference between 上で and 後で?
r/LearnJapanese
Excellent breakdown of sentences with うえで
日本語を楽しく勉強 [Youtube]
Offline
Tobira
Page 261
A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar
Page 547
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上で – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (21 in total)
nekoyama
This grammar point is about past+上で which is different from dictionary form+上で. It looks like the video linked in the resources section covers it in the second half.
I’d read 歴史を知るうえで重要な資料 as “important materials for learning about history”.
mblasco23
Ah, my bad. Thanks so much!
PierreRene
I can‘t find any information about this case dictionary form + 上で. Is it missing in bunpro?
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