以上 ②
Since, Now that, As long as, If
Structure
［い］Adjective + 以上(は)
［な］Adjective + である + 以上(は)
Noun + である + 以上(は)
Explanation
When 以上 is followed by the adverbial particle は, it forms a pattern that means 'since (A), then (B)', 'now that (A), (B)', or 'given that (A), (B)'. It's a rather formal expression that isn't commonly used in casual conversation.
This grammar pattern attaches to the standard form of verbs and い-Adjectives. For な-Adjectives and nouns, it is preceded by である, becoming である以上は.
- 約束した以上は、その約束を守るべきだ。Since I made a promise, I have to keep it.
- こんなに値段が高い以上は、きっと品質もいいはずだ。As long as it's this expensive, the quality must be good.
- この仕事に必要である以上は、大変でも勉強するしかない。As long as it's necessary for this job, I have no choice but to study it, even if it's hard.
- 学生である以上は、学校の規則に従うのは当然です。Since you're a student, it's only natural that you follow the school rules.
As is common with many grammar structures, the particle は is often omitted, with 以上 being used by itself to convey the same meaning.
- 大会に参加すると言った以上、優勝を目指して練習するつもりです。Now that I've said I'll participate in the tournament, I intend to practice with the aim of winning.
- プロである以上、どんな状況でも最高のパフォーマンスを見せるべきだ。As long as you're a professional, you should give your best performance no matter the situation.
Because である以上は establishes a premise or condition, the second part of the sentence (B) will usually express the speaker's determination, a sense of obligation, or a natural consequence. This often takes the form of patterns like べきだ, つもりだ, はずだ, たい, or ほうがいい.
Fun-fact
Though it has several common translations, keeping the literal meaning of 'more than (A)' or 'beyond (A)' in mind can be a useful mnemonic. It implies that because a certain condition (A) has been met or passed, (B) is now the necessary or logical reality.
Examples
約束した以上、その約束は守らなければならない。
Now that I've made a promise, I have to keep it.
医者である以上、人の命を軽く扱うことはできない。
As a doctor, I cannot treat people's lives lightly.
このプロジェクトのリーダーを引き受ける以上、必ず成功させたい。
As long as I'm taking on the role of this project's leader, I want to make it a success no matter what.
みんなに「がんばれ」と言ってしまった以上、自分だけ途中で諦めるべきではない。
Now that I've gone and told everyone to do their best, I shouldn't be the one to give up halfway through.
プロの選手である以上、厳しいトレーニングは当然だ。
Since they are professional athletes, tough training is to be expected.
こうなってしまった以上、計画を中止するしかない。
Now that things have come to this, we have no choice but to cancel the plan.
この犬を飼うと決めた以上、最後まで面倒を見る責任がある。
Now that I've decided to get this dog, I have a responsibility to look after it until the very end.
店長である以上、アルバイトの手本になるような行動をしてもらわないと困ります。
Since you are the store manager, it will be a problem if you don't act as a role model for the part-time staff.
留学すると決めた以上、中途半端な気持ちで行ってはいけない。
Now that I've decided to study abroad, I mustn't go with a half-hearted attitude.
あれだけ練習した以上、試合に勝てるはずだ。
Since we've practiced that much, we should be able to win the match.
証拠が何もない以上、彼を犯人だと断定することはできない。
As long as there is no evidence, we cannot conclude that he is the culprit.
一度断られた以上、もう二度と頼むつもりはない。
Since I was already rejected once, I have no intention of asking again.