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Grammar detail: 上下

上下 - じょうげ／うえした and more

My current mastery of this grammar:

上下 is a common word combining two extremely common kanji - 上 (up) and 下 (down).

The expected reading, using the most common on readings of the kanji, is the most common: じょうげ. This is used when referring to upper and lower parts or locations.

は

を

に

かした。
He moved the flags up and down.

では

は

、そして

に

れる。
In an earthquake, the ground can shake up and down, or back and forth.

The second 'expected' reading, using the most common kun readings, is うえした. However this reading is not as commonly used. When used to mean 'upside down', it requires an auxiliary word such as

ぎゃく

逆

to indicate the meaning.

が

だ。
It's upside down.

It is helpful to be familiar with the term

じょうげかんけい

上下関係

. This refers to heirarchical relationships; literally the upper and lower. It is important in the workplace, sporting teams and other such social environments to be aware that 上下関係 often determines the ways of interacting between people of varying ranks.

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More information / references:

https://hinative.com/ja/questions/1219763 ⇗

Kanji used in this grammar

上

ジョウショウうえ above うわ- above あげる to raise あがる to rise かみ first half, upper part のぼる to climb のぼせる to bring up, to raise のぼす to bring up

下

カゲした below, under しも bottom part もと under (influence) さげる to lower, to reduce さがる to be lowered くだる to descend くだす to judge くださる to give おろす to drop off (passenger) おりる to get off (train)

逆

ギャク reverse, converse さからう to go against, to oppose さか upside down