Definition
上书 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to submit a written petition or proposal to a superior or authority'. When splitting, you can insert measures, duration, or the particle 了/过 between 上 and 书, e.g., 上过一次书 ('submitted a petition once'). The word carries a formal or classical tone, often used in historical or political contexts.
v.o.
to submit a written petition or proposal (to a superior or authority)
Examples
- 上书，。Tā juédìng shàng shū gěi huángdì, tíchū gǎigé yìjiàn.He decided to submit a petition to the emperor, proposing reforms.
- 。Tā céngjīng gěi cháotíng shàng guò yí cì shū.He once submitted a petition to the imperial court.
- 上书，。Jūmín xiàng shìzhǎng shàng shū, yāoqiú gǎishàn shèqū huánjìng.Residents submitted a written request to the mayor, asking to improve the community environment.
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