1.
steadily rising; on an upward trend; growing continuously
Describes a trend that rises consistently from left to right, like a line on a graph. Used figuratively for things that are improving or increasing over time. Literally 'rising to the right shoulder.'
売上が右肩上がりだ。
Sales are on a steady upward trend.
人口は右肩上がりに増えている。
The population has been increasing steadily.
この会社の業績は創業から右肩上がりで成長を続けている。
This company's performance has continued to grow steadily since its founding.
USAGE:
右肩上がり comes from the image of a graph line that goes up from left to right. It describes sustained growth or increase. The opposite is 右肩下がり (steadily declining).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 右肩上がりの成長 (steady growth)
- 右肩上がりに増える (to increase steadily)
- 右肩上がりの傾向 (upward trend)
SIMILAR WORDS:
上昇傾向 means upward trend and is more formal. 右肩上がり is more vivid and visual, evoking the image of a rising graph line.