Definition
上边 is a position word (方位词) that indicates a location above or on top of something. It can also refer metaphorically to higher authorities or superiors, and to content mentioned earlier in a text. Use it in concrete contexts (在桌子∼ 'on the table') or abstract ones (∼的人 'the people above / higher-ups').
p.w.
aboveon top of(figurative) higher authoritieshigher-ups(in a text) above-mentionedforegoing
Examples
- 上边。Shū zài zhuōzi shàng bian.The book is on top of the table.
- 上边。shàng bian de rén ràng wǒmen xià cì zhùyì shíjiān.The higher-ups told us to pay attention to the time next time.
- 上边。Nǐ shàng bian shuō de nà jù huà wǒ méi tīng dǒng.I didn't understand that sentence you said above / earlier.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.