上は
Once, Since, Now that, As long as
Structure
Verb［た］ + 上は
Explanation
An antiquated expression, 上は emphasizes that something occurs or is considered as a consequence of (A). It can be translated as 'given that (A), (B)', 'having (A), (B)', 'considering that (A), (B)', or 'provided that (A), (B)'. In these contexts, (B) will consistently represent something that is viewed as either logical or essential.
上 in this construction is a noun, and connects to the adverbial particle は. This forms a literal interpretation similar to 'on top of (A), (B)'. This 'on top of' carries a nuance comparable to 'that being the case', or 'under these circumstances' in English, and simply establishes (A) as something that is settled.
This pattern follows verbs in the standard form.
- 大学に合格した上は、真じめに勉強しなければならない。Now that I have been accepted to university, I must study seriously.
- 結婚すると約束した上は、彼女を幸せにしなくてはいけない。Now that I have promised to marry her, I must make her happy.
- この学校の生徒として通う上は、校則を守ることが必要です。As long as you attend this school as a student, it is necessary to follow the school rules.
Since 上は is rather old-fashioned, expressions like からには or 以上は are used more commonly in contemporary Japanese, and convey a similar meaning.
- 猫を飼うと決めたからには、毎日世話をしなければならない。Now that you have decided to keep a cat, you must take care of it every day.
- 十分な準備ができていない以上は、試験を受けるべきではない。Since we haven't prepared sufficiently, we shouldn't take the exam.
Examples
結婚すると決めた上は両親に挨拶しなければならない。
Now that I have decided to get married, I must greet both parents.
先生になった上は生徒たちに良い手本を示さなければならない。
Now that I have become a teacher, I must show a good example to my students.
料理を作ると約束した上は最後まで責任を持つべきだ。
Since I promised to cook, I should take responsibility until the end.
会社の社長になった上は従業員の幸せを考えなければならない。
Now that I have become the company president, I must consider the employees' happiness.
留学を始めた上は言語だけでなく文化も学ぶべきだ。
Now that I have started studying abroad, I should learn not only the language but also the culture.
医者：「手術を受ける上は術前の準備が重要です。」
Doctor: 'Since you are having surgery, pre-operative preparation is important.'
試験に合格すると宣言した上は毎日努力するしかない。
Since I declared that I would pass the exam, I have no choice but to work hard every day.
宝物を発見した上は博物館に寄付するのが正しい。
Now that we have discovered the treasure, donating it to a museum would be the right thing to do.
熱が下がらず、咳も止まらない上は病院で検査を受けるべきだ。
Since my fever won't go down and my cough won't stop, I should get examined at the hospital.
子供が生まれた上は父親として家族を守らなければならない。
Now that a child has been born, I must protect my family as a father.
政治家の田中さんは国民に税金を下げると言った上は実行しなければならない。しかし、現実は難しい。
Since politician Tanaka-san told the people he would lower taxes, he must follow through. However, reality is difficult.
王よ！王国の最後の希望である上は魔王の軍が来る前に避難された方がよろしいでしょう。
My King! Since you are the kingdom's last hope, you should evacuate before the demon lord's army arrives.