以上は【いじょうは】

because, since, seeing that

AI-generated

Structure

[verb (plain, non-past)] + 以上(は) [verb (plain, past)] + 以上(は)

Description

The grammar pattern 以上は (いじょうは) expresses the idea of "since," "now that," or "as long as" – conveying that once a certain decision has been made or a situation exists, one must act accordingly. It carries a strong sense of resolve, obligation, or natural consequence. The speaker acknowledges a fact or commitment and then states what logically or morally follows from it.

The verb before いじょう以上 is always in plain form (past or non-past), and the second clause typically contains expressions of determination, obligation, or expectation – words like べきだ, なければならない, つもりだ, かくご覚悟する, etc.

Basic usage

、。

Since I made a promise, I must keep it.

、。

Now that I'm doing it, I want to see it through to the end.

Here, the speaker has committed to something and draws a conclusion about what should follow.

Past tense before 以上は

When the situation is something that has already happened or been decided, the past plain form is used:

、。

Since I've taken it on, I will do it responsibly.

Non-past before 以上は

The non-past form is used when the condition is a general truth or ongoing situation:

、べき。

As long as you are a student, you should study.

Nuance

Compared to から or ので, 以上は sounds more formal and resolute. It emphasizes that given the reality of the situation, a certain course of action is expected or unavoidable. It is used in written language, speeches, and formal conversations. The particle は can sometimes be omitted – いじょう以上 alone carries the same meaning but いじょう以上は adds slight emphasis on the condition.

Examples

、。

Now that I'm entering the match, I intend to give it my all.

、べき。

Since you made a promise, you should keep it.

、。

As long as you live in Japan, you must follow Japanese laws.

、べき。

Since you are a working adult, you should take responsibility for your actions.

、。

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

、。

Since you've decided to study abroad, study hard.

、。

As long as you are the team leader, you have a responsibility to bring everyone together.

、。

Since I chose this job, I will do my best no matter how difficult it is.

、べき。

As long as you are a parent, you should think seriously about your child's education.

、。

Now that I've started, I want to see it through to the end.

、。

Since you borrowed money, you must pay it back properly.

、。

As long as you work as a professional, you need to produce results.

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