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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'above' or 'on top of' with 之上 (zhīshàng)

    Location & Position

    Structure

    Noun + 之上

    Explanation

    之上 (zhīshàng) is a literary preposition meaning "above," "on top of," or "upon." It is the classical equivalent of 上面, using the literary particle 之 in place of 的. It frequently appears in written or formal Chinese.

    Examples

    • 在云层之上，阳光格外明亮。

      Zài yúncéng zhī shàng, yángguāng géwài míngliàng.

      Above the clouds, the sunlight is exceptionally bright.

    • 这座塔建在山顶之上。

      Zhè zuò tǎ jiàn zài shāndǐng zhī shàng.

      This tower is built on the mountaintop.

    • 在法律之上，没有人可以例外。

      Zài fǎlǜ zhī shàng, méi yǒu rén kěyǐ lìwài.

      Above the law, no one can be an exception.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'above' or 'on top of' with 之上 (zhīshàng) | Chinese Grammar