上は | Grammar

Structure

[verb た-form] + 上は [verb (dictionary form)] + 上は

Description

上は means "now that": something has been decided or has happened, and the speaker draws the obvious duty from it. It follows the た-form, or the dictionary form for a decision about something still ahead. The second half is a resolve, a duty or advice: なければならない, べきだ, つもりだ, a volitional form.

、。

Now that I've taken it on, I must see it through to the end.

、。

Now that you've promised, you should keep your word.

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Now that it's come to this, there's no choice but to fight to the end.

With the dictionary form, the decision is made but the act is still to come: "if you are going to do it at all".

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If I'm going to do it, I want to give it everything.

、。

If you're going to compete, you should aim to win.

The second half is never a plain report of what happened next: ×留学すると決めた上は、両親が喜んだ.

Register

上は is stiff and written: speeches, formal resolutions, novels. いじょう以上はmeans the same and is just as formal. In conversation, say からには.

、。

I said I'd do it, so I'll do it properly.

Examples

、。

Now that it's come to this, there's no choice but to fight to the end.

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Now that I've decided to study abroad, I must prepare thoroughly.

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Since I've been appointed president, I intend to work responsibly.

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Now that I said I'd do it, I can't quit halfway.

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As long as you're competing, you should aim to win.

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

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Now that I've decided to trust him, I want to stay on his side to the end.

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Since you've taken on the job as a professional, you should deliver perfect results.

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Now that I've become the team leader, I have to bring everyone together.

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Now that you've become independent, you need the resolve to live on your own.

References

上はBunpro