以上

• Pinyin: yǐ shàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 以 = 'to use/from'; 上 = a line above a base line, meaning 'above/up'

Meaning

Above; more than; over. Indicates a number, amount, or level that is at or above a stated point.

Used after a number or standard to mean 'and above' or 'or more.' Common in rules, requirements, and descriptions of quantities. For example, 十八岁以上 means '18 years old and above.' Can also mean 'the above' when referring back to previously mentioned content in writing.

Examples

1. 坐这个过山车要一米四以上。 You need to be at least 1.4 metres tall to ride this roller coaster.
2. 他在这家公司工作了十年以上。 He has worked at this company for over ten years.
3. 三岁以上的孩子可以参加。 Children aged three and above can participate.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, formal, rules

Tone: informational

Do Say

• 六十分以上算及格。(Sixty points or above counts as a pass.)
• 以上就是我的看法。(The above is my opinion.)

Don't Say

• 他有五个以上朋友。(Awkward phrasing — say 他有五个以上的朋友 with 的, or rephrase as 他的朋友有五个以上.)

Origin & History

Compound of 以 (by means of/from) and 上 (above/up), literally 'from above,' i.e. at or beyond a given point.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal