上游

shàng yóu

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Noun Uncommon

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Definitions

1. upper reaches (of a river)
2. upper level
3. upper echelon
4. upstream

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 下游 xià yóu 下游 xià yóu lower reaches (of a river) of a river or process: lower reaches (of a river)

Related words

1 item

• 高端 gāo duān 高端 gāo duān high-end upper level in industry: high-end

Usage notes

Common mistakes

上游 specifically refers to upper part of a river or supply chain, not physical height like 上边.

Formality

Common in economic contexts to describe supply chain stages, often in formal writing.

Example Sentences

2 shown

这条河的 上游 有一个小村庄。

There is a small village in the upper reaches of this river.

我们力争 上游 。

We strive for excellence.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 上游

• 力争上游 力争上游 lì zhēng shàng yóu: to strive for mastery (idiom); aiming for the best result

Child Words of 上游

• 游 游 yóu: to walk
• 上 上 shàng: on top