At a glance
〜の上では means "in terms of ~" or "on paper, according to ~". It follows abstract frames like the calendar, calculations, numbers, theory or law, and often sets up a contrast with reality.
Noun + の上では
暦の上では春ですが、まだ寒いです。 By the calendar it's spring, but it's still cold.
How to form it
The expression attaches directly to a noun with の. Here 上 is read うえ.
| Attaches to | Form | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noun | Noun + の上では | 暦の上では | By the calendar |
| Noun | Noun + の上では | 計算の上では | According to the calculations |
| Noun | Noun + の上では | 数字の上では | In terms of the numbers |
| Noun | Noun + の上では | 法律の上では | Legally, in terms of the law |
The register is neutral. The rest of the sentence decides whether it is polite or casual.