上部
这栋楼的上部是玻璃结构。
The upper part of this building is made of glass.
The upper section or part of an object, structure, or area.
这座山的上部终年积雪。
The upper part of this mountain is covered in snow year-round.
请检查文件的上部是否有错误。
Please check if there are any errors in the upper part of the document.
Commonly used in formal and technical contexts to describe the top section of something.
Pro Tip
Distinguish from '上层'
'上部' emphasizes the physical upper section of an object, while '上层' (shàngcéng) often refers to a social or organizational hierarchy (e.g., '上层社会' meaning 'upper class').
Gold Rule
Physical vs. Abstract Use
'上部' is primarily used for physical objects. For abstract concepts like 'upper management,' use '上层管理' or '高层管理'.
Word Origin
Composed of '上' (shàng, meaning 'upper' or 'top') and '部' (bù, meaning 'part' or 'section'). The compound '上部' has been used in Classical Chinese to denote the upper part of an object or region.
Usage Notes
1. Often used in architectural, geographical, or anatomical contexts. 2. In modern Chinese, it is also used metaphorically to describe the upper echelon of an organization or society (e.g., '上部管理层' meaning 'upper management').