1.
uphill slope; upward incline
A road or path that goes upward. The physical sense of a slope that ascends.
この先は上り坂だ。
It's uphill from here.
急な上り坂を自転車で登るのは大変だ。
Cycling up a steep uphill slope is tough.
駅までずっと上り坂が続くので、歩くと汗をかく。
The uphill slope continues all the way to the station, so I break a sweat when I walk.
2.
upward trend; on the rise
Figuratively, a phase of improvement, growth, or increasing success in one's career, health, or other endeavors.
景気は上り坂だ。
The economy is on the upswing.
あの選手はまだ上り坂で、これからもっと活躍するだろう。
That athlete is still on the rise and will likely achieve even more.
病気から回復して、体力は上り坂に向かっている。
After recovering from illness, my stamina is on an upward trend.
USAGE:
In the literal sense, 上り坂 refers to a physical uphill slope. In the figurative sense, it describes something improving or gaining momentum, the opposite of 下り坂.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 急な上り坂 (steep uphill)
- 上り坂が続く (the uphill continues)
- 景気は上り坂 (the economy is on the upswing)
- 人生の上り坂 (an upward phase of life)
CONTRAST:
下り坂 is the antonym, meaning downhill slope or decline.