Japanese word

上層

Pronunciation

Romajijōsō

Meaning

  • nounupper layer

Example

土の上層に根が広がっています。tsuchi no jō sō ni ne ga hiro ga tte i ma su

Roots spread through the upper layer of the soil.

Illustration for 上層 (upper layer)

More examples

湖では、上層の水が風で動きます。mizuumi de wa jō sō no mizu ga kaze de ugo ki ma su

In a lake, the water in the upper layer moves with the wind.

Core concept

Describes a part positioned higher within a layered object, space, or system rather than the whole structure.

Common phrases

  • 土壌の上層do jō no jō sō

    the upper layer of the soil

  • 上層の水jō sō no mizu

    water in the upper layer

Similar words

上部jōbu: The higher part of an object, area, or organized structure.
上段jōdan: A higher section in an arrangement divided into levels or sections.

Definition in Japanese

重なりや段階をなすものの、上に位置する部分。kasa na ri ya dan kai o na su mo no no ue ni i chi su ru bu bun

Word origin

上層 (jōsō) combines 上 (jō, "above") and 層 (sō, "layer"), forming a compound for a higher part of a layered arrangement.

Usage tips

  • In technical English, upper layer often refers to the higher part of soil, rock, or another material rather than its outermost surface.

Other meanings

  • upper levelsnoun

Opposites

  • 下層kasōlower layernoun

Word lists with this word