地上(ちじょう)

ちじょう
noun
above ground, on the surface, the ground
geographydirection
1. above ground, on the surface, ground level
The surface of the earth or the area above it, as opposed to underground or in the air. Used in both everyday and technical contexts to specify location relative to the ground.
地上(ちじょう)三階(さんがい)に受付(うけつけ)がある。
The reception desk is on the third floor above ground.
ロケットが地上(ちじょう)から打(う)ち上(あ)げられた。
The rocket was launched from the ground.
地上(ちじょう)デジタル放送(ほうそう)に切(き)り替(か)わってから、画質(がしつ)が良(よ)くなった。
Since the switch to digital terrestrial broadcasting, the picture quality has improved.

Usage

In building descriptions, 地上(ちじょう) specifies floors above ground as opposed to 地下(ちか) (underground/basement). For example, 地上(ちじょう)五階(ごかい)地下(ちか)二階(にかい) means "5 floors above ground, 2 basement floors." Also used in broadcasting: 地上(ちじょう)デジタル (terrestrial digital), commonly abbreviated to 地(ち)デジ.

Common collocations

  • 地上(ちじょう)～階(かい): ~ floor(s) above ground
  • 地上(ちじょう)デジタル: terrestrial digital (broadcasting)
  • 地上(ちじょう)波(は): terrestrial wave/broadcast
  • 地上(ちじょう)から: from the ground
  • 地上(ちじょう)に出(で)る: come above ground

Similar words

The opposite is 地下(ちか) (underground). 地面(じめん) (the ground surface) refers to the physical surface you walk on. 陸上(りくじょう) (on land) contrasts with water or sea.

Related Words

Antonym: 地下(ちか) (underground)
general
Added 2026.2.20 14:01 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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