1.
track and field
Athletic sports including running, jumping, and throwing events.
陸上を始めた。
I started doing track and field.
陸上部に入っている。
I'm in the track and field club.
オリンピックの陸上競技は人気がある。
Olympic track and field events are popular.
2.
land, on land
On the ground as opposed to water or air.
陸上で生活する動物。
Animals that live on land.
陸上輸送。
Land transportation.
船が陸上に引き上げられた。
The ship was pulled up onto land.
陸上 has two main meanings: the sport of track and field, and 'on land.'
WORD FORMATION:
- 陸 (land) + 上 (on, above)
FOR SENSE 1 (Sports):
- Full form: 陸上競技
- Events include: 短距離 (sprints), 長距離 (distance), 跳躍 (jumps), 投擲 (throws)
FOR SENSE 2 (Land):
- Contrasts with 海上 (at sea) and 航空 (air)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 陸上部: track and field club
- 陸上選手: track and field athlete
- 陸上自衛隊: Ground Self-Defense Force