年上(としうえ)

としうえ
noun
older (in age); senior
1. older; senior (in age)
Being older than someone else; a person who is older.
彼(かれ)は私(わたし)より三(さん)歳(さい)年上(としうえ)だ。
He is three years older than me.
年上(としうえ)の人(ひと)に敬語(けいご)を使(つか)う。
To use polite language with older people.
妻(つま)は私(わたし)より年上(としうえ)です。
My wife is older than me.

WORD FORMATION:
年(とし) (age, year) + 上(うえ) (above) → above in years = older

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 〜より年上(としうえ) - older than ~
  • 年上(としうえ)の人(ひと) - older person
  • 三(さん)歳(さい)年上(としうえ) - three years older

USAGE:
Used to describe age relationships between people. Important in Japanese culture where age often determines social hierarchy and language use.

NOTE ON RELATIONSHIPS:
年上(としうえ)の彼女(かのじょ)/彼氏(かれし) often refers to a romantic partner who is older, sometimes significantly so.

Related Words

Antonym: 年下(としした) (younger)
general
Added 2026.1.19 13:07 · Revised 2026.1.24 23:24
07000/07302_toshiue