more than ~, since ~

Beginner

15-20 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates "more than" for quantity or "since/now that" for reasoning.

[Number/Noun] + 以上 OR [Plain form] + 以上

18歳以上の人が参加できます。

Juuhassai ijou no hito ga sanka dekimasu.

People 18 years old or older can participate.

約束した以上、守らなければならない。

Yakusoku shita ijou, mamoranakereba naranai.

Since I promised, I must keep it.

Two meanings: ≥ (quantity) or "since/now that" (reasoning).

～以下

less than ~, or less

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Context determines if it's quantity or reasoning.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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