Processing keyword: 〜の上では (〜no ue de wa)

Japanese Grammar Point: 〜の上では (〜no ue de wa)

〜の上では (〜no ue de wa)

1. Introduction

The grammar point 〜の上では (〜no ue de wa) is used in Japanese to express the idea of "according to" or "from the standpoint of." It often appears in contexts where there's a discrepancy between theory and reality, or when discussing something based on certain information or data.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• "According to ~"; "In terms of ~"; "From the standpoint of ~" This expression indicates that something is true according to a certain source, data, or in theory, but may not align with reality or practical situations.

Structure

Noun + の上では

Formation Diagram

Usage Notes

• Typically used with nouns that represent information sources like 計算 (calculation), 理論 (theory), 統計 (statistics), 天気予報 (weather forecast), etc.
• Implies that the reality may differ from what's stated.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• 〜上では (〜うえでは)
  • Similar in usage; sometimes interchangeable.
• 〜によると
  • Means "according to," but without implying a discrepancy between information and reality.
• 〜において
  • Means "in; on; at," indicating a place or time, not used for "according to."

Nuance Differences

• 〜の上では suggests that while something is true according to the information, it might not be so in practice.
• 〜によると is more neutral and doesn't imply any contradiction with reality.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 天気予報の上では、今日は晴れですが、実際には雨が降っています。 Tenki yohō no ue de wa, kyō wa hare desu ga, jissai ni wa ame ga futteimasu. "According to the weather forecast, it's sunny today, but actually, it's raining."
2. 理論の上では可能ですが、実践するのは難しいです。 Riron no ue de wa kanō desu ga, jissen suru no wa muzukashii desu. "In theory, it's possible, but in practice, it's difficult to implement."
3. 計算の上では利益が出ていますが、現金が足りません。 Keisan no ue de wa rieki ga deteimasu ga, genkin ga tarimasen. "According to calculations, we have a profit, but we lack cash."
4. 統計の上では失業率が下がっています。 Tōkei no ue de wa shitsugyōritsu ga sagatteimasu. "According to statistics, the unemployment rate is decreasing."
5. 法律の上では彼が正しいが、道徳的には問題がある。 Hōritsu no ue de wa kare ga tadashii ga, dōtokuteki ni wa mondai ga aru. "Legally, he is correct, but morally, there are issues."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese communication, there's often an emphasis on the distinction between formal information and actual feelings or situations. Using 〜の上では reflects this awareness by acknowledging official information while subtly indicating a different reality.

Levels of Politeness

• The grammar point is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Adjust the politeness level with the verb forms and other expressions in the sentence.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 机上の空論（きじょうのくうろん） Kijō no kūron - "An armchair theory"; a theory that sounds good in theory but is impractical.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

• Using it interchangeably with 〜によると without considering the nuance.
  • Incorrect: 天気予報によると、今日は晴れですが、実際には雨が降っています。 (This sentence doesn't convey the contrast between information and reality as strongly.)

Tips

• Remember the implication of discrepancy.
  • Use 〜の上では when you want to highlight that the information may not match reality.
• Associate it with theoretical or statistical contexts.
  • Commonly paired with words like 理論 (theory), 計算 (calculation), 統計 (statistics).

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜の上では is used to express "according to ~" with an implication that reality might differ.
• Commonly used with nouns representing information sources.
• Highlights a contrast between theory/information and actual situations.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 計算_____、利益が出ていますが、現金が不足しています。 a) によると
   b) の上では
   c) において
2. True or False: 〜の上では can be used interchangeably with 〜によると without any change in meaning.
3. Translate the following sentence: 法律の上では問題ありません。

Answers:

1. b) の上では
2. False
3. "According to the law, there is no problem."