HSK 4
上 #
shàng #
over #
Structure
上 + Number/Quantity + Measure Word + Noun
How it works
In this HSK 4 context, '上' (shàng) is used as a quantifier meaning 'up to' or 'over' a certain large number. It is typically placed before a round number or a unit of measurement to indicate that the quantity has reached or exceeded that level.
Examples
为了完成这项研究，他查阅了上千份资料。
Wèile wánchéng zhè xiàng yánjiū, tā cháyuèle shàng qiān fèn zīliào.
In order to complete this research, he consulted over a thousand documents.
每天有上万名游客来这里参观。
Měitiān yǒu shàng wàn míng yóukè lái zhèlǐ cānguān.
Every day, over ten thousand tourists come here to visit.
这个城市的地铁已经有上百年的历史了。
Zhège chéngshì de dìtiě yǐjīng yǒu shàng bǎi nián de lìshǐ le.
The city's subway already has a history of over a hundred years.
Common mistakes
Do not use '上' with small or specific numbers like '上三个' or '上五个'; it is reserved for large, approximate round numbers like tens, hundreds, or thousands.
Tip
Think of this '上' as meaning 'reaching' a high level. It is often interchangeable with '超过' (chāoguò), but '上' sounds more concise in formal speech.
More HSK 4 grammar
See 上 # in real Chinese
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