上 stroke order 上 chinese writing meaning 上 chinese character tattoos

I. The Core Meaning of the Character "上" (shàng)

The character "上" is one of the most fundamental and powerful characters in the Chinese language. Its primary meaning is "up," "above," or "to go up." However, its usage extends far beyond simple direction into abstract, social, and philosophical realms.

1. Literal & Directional Meanings:

  • Up; Above; On top of:

    • 上面 (shàngmiàn) - The top; the surface.

    • 天上 (tiānshàng) - In the sky / heaven.

  • To go up; to ascend:

    • 上车 (shàng chē) - To get on a vehicle (bus, car).

    • 上山 (shàng shān) - To go up a mountain.

2. Figurative & Abstract Meanings:
This is where the character becomes profound.

  • Superior; High-Quality; Best:

    • 上等 (shàngděng) - First-class; superior grade.

  • Previous; First (in a sequence):

    • 上次 (shàngcì) - Last time.

    • 上星期 (shàng xīngqī) - Last week.

  • To submit; to offer: The act of presenting something to a superior.

    • 上交 (shàngjiāo) - To hand in; to submit.

  • To begin an action:

    • 上班 (shàngbān) - To go to work (to "start" work).

3. In Idioms (Chengyu):

  • 天天向上 (tiāntiān xiàngshàng) - "Make progress every day." This is an extremely positive and motivational phrase.

  • 后来居上 (hòuláijūshàng) - "The latecomer surpasses the old-timer." It means the newcomer excels and overtakes those who started before.

  • 上下同心 (shàngxià tóngxīn) - "Those above and below are of one mind." It describes unity throughout a hierarchy.


II. "上" as a Tattoo: Meanings and Considerations

A tattoo of "上" is a simple, bold, and highly positive choice. Its minimalist appearance belies a deep and aspirational meaning.

Common and Positive Meanings:

  1. Striving for Improvement and Ambition: This is the most powerful meaning. The tattoo symbolizes a constant drive to move upward—to improve oneself, to advance in life, to achieve higher goals, and to never settle. It embodies the spirit of 天天向上 (make progress every day).

  2. Optimism and a Positive Trajectory: It represents a belief that life is on an upward path. It's a reminder to always look up, stay positive, and keep moving forward, no matter the circumstances.

  3. Seeking Higher Understanding: It can symbolize a quest for higher knowledge, spiritual enlightenment, or a superior state of being.

  4. Simplicity and Power: For those who appreciate minimalist aesthetics, "上" offers a powerful message in a very simple, graphic form. It is instantly recognizable and visually striking.


⚠️ Important Considerations

"上" is a very safe and positive tattoo. However, due to its simplicity, one point is worth noting:

  • Potential for Ambiguity: A single character can be interpreted in multiple ways. While the primary meanings are positive, in a specific context, it could be part of a less common phrase. However, as a standalone symbol, its core meaning of "upward movement" and "superiority" is overwhelmingly dominant and positive.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The character "上" is a highly recommended, powerful, and optimistic choice for a tattoo.

It is a symbol that represents:

  • Progress (constant upward movement and self-improvement)

  • Excellence (striving for the best)

  • Ambition (the drive to ascend and achieve)

  • Positivity (an upward-looking outlook on life)

If you are seeking a tattoo that embodies a growth mindset, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of bettering yourself, then "上" is a perfect emblem. Its simplicity makes it timeless, and its meaning provides a constant source of motivation. It is far superior to more complex characters for its directness and powerful resonance.


How to Write "上" (Stroke Order)

The stroke order for "上" is simple and crucial for achieving its balanced look.

  1. First: 丨 (Vertical) - The vertical stroke on the left.

  2. Second: 一 (Horizontal) - The top horizontal stroke.

  3. Third: 一 (Horizontal) - The bottom horizontal stroke.

Writing Tip: The top horizontal stroke is shorter, and the bottom horizontal stroke is longer, which gives the character a stable, grounded appearance, much like a plant growing upward from a solid base. This structure perfectly reflects its meaning.

上字意思【meaning】

上字基本字义解释【Basic meaning】

上shàng shǎng(ㄕㄤˋ ㄕㄤˇ)

⒈  位置在高处的,与“下”相对:楼上。上边。

⒉  次序或时间在前的:上古。上卷。

⒊  等级和质量高的:上等。上策。上乘(佛教用语,一般借指文学艺术的高妙境界或上品)。

⒋  由低处到高处:上山。上车。上升。

⒌  去,到:上街。

⒍  向前进:冲上去。

⒎  增加:上水。

⒏  安装,连缀:上刺刀。上鞋(亦作“绱鞋”)。

⒐  涂:上药。

⒑  按规定时间进行或参加某种活动:上课。上班。

⒒  拧紧发条:上弦。

⒓  登载,记:上账。

⒔  用在名词后边,表示时间、处所、范围:晚上。桌上。组织上。

⒕  用在动词后边,表示开始、继续、趋向、完成:爬上来。锁上。选上代表。

⒖  达到一定的程度或数量:上年纪。

⒗  中国古代乐谱的记音符号,相当于简谱中的“1”。

其它上的字义含义

⒈  〔上声〕汉语声调之一,普通话上声(第三声)。

上的异体字【Variant】

上字汉英互译【Chinese-English Translation】

ascending、go to、go up、previous、submit、superior

相关字词【Related words】

造字法【Character Creation】

指事

上的英文翻译【English Translation】

top; superior, highest; go up, send up

上字组词【Word Grouping】

上场;就上;上次;上调;上荣;上报;凌上;上瑞;上指;上班;献上;上章;门上;上清;上层;

上字取名的寓意【The meaning of the name】

上字取名寓指阳光、开朗、刻苦、努力之意。中性字,用字频率为百分名字中使用了1330次,点击查看上字起名

上字取名的含义是什么【What does the name mean?】:

上字取名义指贤淑,自信,时尚之义;

上配什么字最好【What word is best?】

起名上配什么字最好【What word is best?】?上配什么字最好【What word is best?】男孩可配水、腾、震、澄、伦等字起名大气好听的。女孩上字配什么字好听可配韫、嫦、旎、熔、睛等字起名最好听。

与上字搭配的最佳男孩名字【Best boy names that go with this word】

  • shang xiao上校

  • qing shang青上

  • xiang shang向上

  • shang xi上夕

  • zhi shang智上

  • shang yuan上媛

与上字搭配的最佳女孩名字【Best girl names that go with this word】

上字起名没有名字,该字不适合或很少用来起女孩名