上面

• Pinyin: shàng miàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 上 = a line above a baseline, indicating above; 面 = originally a pictograph of a face, extended to mean surface or side

Meaning

Above; on top; on the surface of. Indicates a position higher than a reference point.

Used to describe physical location (on top of, above) and abstract references (mentioned above, higher authority). Interchangeable with 上边 in most contexts. Also used figuratively to refer to higher authorities or superiors (上面的意思 = what the higher-ups think). Very common in everyday conversation and writing.

Examples

1. 书放在桌子上面了，你看到了吗？ The book is on top of the desk — did you see it?
2. 山上面的风景特别漂亮。 The scenery at the top of the mountain is especially beautiful.
3. 请看上面的说明，按步骤操作。 Please read the instructions above and follow the steps.

Usage Guide

Context: location, directions, description

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 柜子上面放着一个花瓶。(There's a vase on top of the cabinet.)
• 上面写的是什么？(What does it say up there?)

Don't Say

• 飞机在天空上面飞。(For planes in the sky, use 天上 or 空中, not 天空上面. 上面 works better for surfaces and nearby objects.)

Origin & History

上 means above or upper; 面 means surface or side. Together: the upper surface or the area above.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal