JLPT N2 grammar

〜以上meaning and usage

Meaning

  1. Because of A, B (is an expected/natural result); Now that A, B
  2. More than (or including) A

How to form it

  • verb (plain form)以上（は）
  • noun/な-adjective (stem)である以上（は）
  • number + counter以上

How it is used

Two uses: since or now that A, B naturally follows — a duty, resolve or judgement, as in 「約束した以上、守る」, close to 「〜からには」; and after a number, 'A or more', which includes A itself.

Examples

  1. 外国に来た以上、 その国の文化を勉強した方がよい。

    Because you've come to a foreign country, it's best to study that country's culture.

  2. 引き受けた以上、途中でやめるわけにはいかない。

    Now that I've taken it on, I can't quit halfway.

  3. このバスでは、十二歳以上は大人料金になります。

    On this bus, passengers aged 12 and over pay the adult fare.