Definition
上层 (shàng céng) refers to the upper level of a physical structure (upper floor) or the upper echelon of society/organization. It contrasts with 高层 (gāo céng), which emphasizes 'high-level' positions or high-rise buildings, and 上级 (shàng jí), which denotes a direct superior in a hierarchy. Unlike 阶层 (jiē céng), a broader social stratum, 上层 is more about the 'upper' part of a specific hierarchy.
noun
upper levelupper floor (physical)upper echelonupper class (social, organizational)
Examples
- 上层。Zhè zuò túshūguǎn de shàng céng shì yuèlǎnshì.The upper floor of this library is the reading room.
- 上层。shàng céng rénshì de yìjiàn wǎngwǎng yǐngxiǎng juécè.The opinions of upper-level figures often influence decision-making.
- 上层。Fēijī de shàng céng zuòwèi gèng kuānchang.The upper-level seats on the plane are more spacious.
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