Ideographic: One stroke on top of another; compare 下 (below)Radical:

meaning for shàng:

  • - on top
  • - upon
  • - above
  • - upper
  • - previous
  • - first (of multiple parts)
  • - to climb
  • - to get onto
  • - to go up
  • - to attend (class or university)

meaning for shǎng:

  • - see 上声

zhuōzi桌子
shàng
yǒu
zhǐ
píngguǒ苹果

There are eight apples on the table.


fēijī飞机
shàng
yǒu
hěnduō很多
zuòwèi座位

There are many seats on the airplane.


shàng
le
yīliàng一辆
chūzūchē出租车
jīchǎng机场

He took a taxi to the airport.


diànnǎo电脑
zài
zhuōzi桌子
shàng

The computer is on the table.


zài
zhuōzi桌子
shàng
xiězì写字

She is writing on the desk.