1.
going up and down; ascent and descent
The physical act of going uphill and downhill, or ascending and descending. Used for slopes, stairs, and roads.
この道は上り下りが多い。
This road has many ups and downs.
階段の上り下りだけで息が切れる。
Just going up and down the stairs leaves me out of breath.
山道の上り下りを繰り返しながら、やっと頂上に着いた。
After repeatedly going up and down mountain paths, we finally reached the summit.
2.
ups and downs; fluctuations
Figurative use referring to fluctuations, variations, or instability in conditions, prices, or emotions.
株価の上り下りが激しい。
The stock price fluctuations are intense.
気温の上り下りが大きくて、体調を崩しやすい。
The large temperature fluctuations make it easy to get sick.
人生には上り下りがあるものだから、落ち込みすぎないほうがいい。
Life has its ups and downs, so it's better not to get too depressed.
USAGE:
上り下り describes both literal vertical movement and figurative fluctuations. The literal sense is common when talking about terrain, stairs, or slopes, while the figurative sense applies to prices, temperatures, and life circumstances.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 上り下りが多い (has many ups and downs)
- 上り下りが激しい (has extreme fluctuations)
- 上り下りを繰り返す (to repeatedly go up and down)