The Meaning of jōshō [上昇] In Japanese

上昇
じょうしょう
Romaji: jōshō N3

What does 上昇 mean?

Translation and Meaning

rise, ascent, increase

Definition

上昇 means a rise upward or an increase toward a higher level. It refers to upward movement in space, numbers, or quality, and is used for physical ascent as well as abstract progress or escalation in various contexts.

Type

noun (suru-verb)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Physical ascent or upward movement in space, such as climbing higher, ascending to a higher platform, or increasing altitude.
  • Rise in quantity, value, or level, including increases in prices, stock values, temperatures, or numerical metrics.
  • Figurative improvement or upward trend in performance, quality, or conditions over time.
  • In scientific or technical contexts, denotes an upward trend or escalation in measured variables such as data readings.

Composition

  • 上 means above, up, or on top
  • 昇 means to rise, ascend, or go up
  • Together they convey upward movement or ascent, applicable to physical elevation or upward changes in value or level

Usage

Used as a noun denoting ascent, or as a stem for the suru-verb 上昇する to describe a rise in prices, temperatures, or levels. Common in formal writing, economic or scientific discourse, news reporting, and educational contexts. In everyday speech it appears in phrases like 上昇する and related terms such as 上昇傾向, but is less common in casual conversation outside of specific topics.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: visualize 上 as a roof with something moving above it, and 昇 as the sun rising, together signaling upward motion or ascent.

Variations

  • 昇る (noboru) — to rise
  • 向上 (koujou) — improvement, upward movement
  • 高まる (takamaru) — to grow stronger, increase in intensity
  • 増加 (zouka) — increase
  • 低下 (teika) — decline

Example Phrases

  • 今日、株価はゆっくり上昇している。
    Kyou, kabuka wa yukkuri jōshō shite iru.
    Today, stock prices are slowly rising.
    Lista:
    • 今日 (kyou) – today
    • 株価 (kabuka) – stock price
    • は (wa) – topic particle
    • ゆっくり (yukkuri) – slowly
    • 上昇 (jōshō) – rise
    • している (shite iru) – is doing
    Here the noun 「上昇」 means ‘rise’ and is used with している to indicate ongoing rise.
上昇