上述

• Pinyin: shàng shù
• Hanzi breakdown: 上 = 一 + 卜 (above); 述 = 辶 + 术 (narrate, follow)

Meaning

Above-mentioned; aforementioned. Refers to content or points stated earlier in a text.

Predominantly a written/formal discourse marker. Used to summarise or refer back to previously stated information in reports, legal texts, academic papers, and official documents.

Examples

1. 上述问题需要在会议上逐一讨论。 The issues mentioned above need to be discussed one by one at the meeting.
2. 综合上述分析，我们得出以下结论。 Based on the analysis above, we reach the following conclusions.
3. 上述条款自合同签署之日起生效。 The above terms take effect on the date the contract is signed.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, legal, business writing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 上述内容仅供参考，不构成法律意见。(The above-mentioned content is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice.)
• 请确认您已阅读并理解上述条款。(Please confirm you have read and understood the aforementioned terms.)

Don't Say

• 在口语中用上述 — use 刚才说的 or 之前提到的 in spoken conversation instead

Origin & History

上 (above/preceding) + 述 (state/narrate) — that which was narrated above

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal