上で
After, Upon
Structure
Noun + の + 上で
Explanation
The phrase 上で connects a preceding action (A) to a subsequent action (B). It attaches to the past tense of a verb or a noun plus の, and signifies that B happens 'after' or 'based on' the completion of A. This usage is closely related to the literal meaning of its components: 上 ('on top of') and で ('by means of'), a common case marking particle.
- よく考えた上で、会社を辞めることにしました。After careful consideration, I have decided to quit my job.
- 複数の製品を比較した上で、どれを購入するか選びます。After comparing multiple products, I will choose which one to purchase.
- こちらの利用規約をご確認の上で、お申し込みください。Please apply after you have confirmed these terms of service.
- 空室状況の確認の上で、ホテルの予約をお願いします。Please book the hotel after confirming room availability.
上で is typically reserved for formal or written Japanese, so you are unlikely to hear it in casual, everyday speech. The structure implies that action (A) is a necessary prerequisite for action (B), highlighting a logical or procedural connection between the two.
- 専門家のアドバイスを受けた上で、最終的な決定をしてください。Please make your final decision after receiving advice from an expert.
Caution
Because 上で indicates that (A) is a deliberate step taken before (B), the verb in clause (A) cannot be in the passive form. The passive voice in Japanese often suggests a lack of agency or control over an event. Using it here would conflict with the idea that (A) is an intentional action performed to enable (B).
- 医者に許可された上で、この薬を飲んでください。Please take this medicine upon being permitted by a doctor. (Unnatural)
This is because the Japanese passive often carries a stronger sense of being acted upon without control, unlike the English passive which can simply describe the recipient of an action.
Examples
契約書の内容をよく確認した上で、サインしてください。
Please sign the contract after carefully confirming its contents. (upon)
家族と話し合った上で、この仕事のオファーを受けるか返事をします。
I will give my answer on whether to accept this job offer after I have discussed it with my family. (upon)
役員会議での審議の上で、新プロジェクトの開始が決定されました。
The start of the new project was decided upon deliberation at the board meeting. (after)
必要な資料を集めた上で、レポートを書き始めたいと思います。
I'd like to start writing the report after gathering the necessary materials. (upon)
ホテルのレビューをいくつか読んだ上で、予約することにしました。
I decided to book the hotel after reading several reviews. (upon)
医師からの詳しい説明の上で、治療方針を決めましょう。
Let's decide on a course of treatment after receiving a detailed explanation from the doctor. (upon)
このジャケットは、試着した上で購入するかどうか考えます。
I will decide whether or not to buy this jacket after trying it on. (upon)
詳しい内容をご理解いただいた上で、お申し込みください。
Please apply after you have fully understood the details. (upon)
慎重な検討の上で、来年度の予算を立てる必要があります。
We need to create next year's budget upon careful consideration. (after)
アパートを内見した上で、契約するかどうかを決めたい。
I want to decide whether to sign the lease after I've viewed the apartment. (upon)
数回の面接を行った上で、採用する人を決めさせていただきます。
We will decide who to hire after conducting several interviews. (upon)
双方合意の上で、契約を締結しました。
The contract was finalized upon mutual agreement. (after)