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.
地上三階に受付がある。
The reception desk is on the third floor above ground.
ロケットが地上から打ち上げられた。
The rocket was launched from the ground.
地上デジタル放送に切り替わってから、画質が良くなった。
Since the switch to digital terrestrial broadcasting, the picture quality has improved.
USAGE:
In building descriptions, 地上 specifies floors above ground as opposed to 地下 (underground/basement). For example, 地上五階地下二階 means "5 floors above ground, 2 basement floors." Also used in broadcasting: 地上デジタル (terrestrial digital), commonly abbreviated to 地デジ.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 地上~階: ~ floor(s) above ground
- 地上デジタル: terrestrial digital (broadcasting)
- 地上波: terrestrial wave/broadcast
- 地上から: from the ground
- 地上に出る: come above ground
SIMILAR WORDS:
The opposite is 地下 (underground). 地面 (the ground surface) refers to the physical surface you walk on. 陸上 (on land) contrasts with water or sea.