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After; upon; when doing
Definition
The grammar pattern 'V-た形 / N-の + 上で（は） / 上の' is used to express that A is a necessary prerequisite for B. B is usually an action based on the result of A. This pattern emphasizes the relationship between the two events and implies causality. It can be translated to English as 'after,' 'upon,' or 'when doing' A, B happens. This pattern is often used in formal or written Japanese.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-た形 | V-た形 + の + 上で/は/の | 実物を見た後で |
| N-の | N-の + の + 上で/は/の | 両親と話した後で |
| V-た形 + の + 上で/は/の | V-た形 + の + の + 上で/は/の | 実物を見た後で決める |
Examples
実物を見た後で、買うかどうか決めます。
Jittai o mitta atode, kau ka dō ka kimemasu.
After seeing the real thing, we will decide whether to buy it or not.
実物を見た後で (after seeing the real thing) + 買うかどうか決めます (we will decide whether to buy it or not)
両親と話した後で、進路を決めたいと思います。
Ryōshin to hanashita atode, shingiri o kimemasu to omoimasu.
After talking with my parents, I want to decide on my future path.
両親と話した後で (after talking with my parents) + 進路を決めたいと思います (I want to decide on my future path)
この書類をよくお読みになった後で、ご署名ください。
Kono shoryo o yoku o yomi ni natta atode, go shomei kudasai.
After carefully reading this document, please sign it.
この書類をよくお読みになった後で (after carefully reading this document) + ご署名ください (please sign it)
Context
This pattern is used to express causality and is often used in formal or written Japanese. It can be used to describe a sequence of events where one event is the prerequisite for the next event. It is not typically used in informal conversation.
Watch out
While 'te kara' can be used to describe a sequence of events, it does not imply causality and is not as formal as 'V-た形 + の + 上で/は/の'.
The 'no' is an essential part of the pattern and is used to indicate the relationship between the two events.
While this pattern can be used to describe a sequence of events, it is not typically used for simple chronological order. Instead, use 'te kara' or other patterns to describe a sequence of events.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to include the 'no' when used with nouns and use it to express causality, not simple chronological order.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-た形 / N-の + 上で（は） / 上の used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
実物を見た上で、買うかどうか決めます。
Pattern used: 上で
Seeing the object is the prerequisite for the decision, making 'ue de' correct.
両親と相談した上で、進路を決めたいと思います。
Pattern used: 相談した
'Consulted' (V-ta) is required to show it's a completed prerequisite.
この書類をよくお読みになった上で、ご署名ください。
Pattern used: 上で
'Ue de' indicates that signing should only happen after reading.
Interactive
実物を見た______、買うかどうか決めます。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.