上段(じょうだん)

じょうだん
noun
upper level; upper tier; high position
1. upper level; upper tier; upper row
The upper section of something divided into levels, such as a shelf, display case, or seating area.
上段(じょうだん)の棚(たな)に置(お)く。
To put it on the upper shelf.
上段(じょうだん)の席(せき)は見晴(みは)らしがいい。
The upper-level seats have a good view.
書類(しょるい)は上段(じょうだん)の引(ひ)き出(だ)しに入(い)れてあります。
The documents are in the upper drawer.
2. upper guard position; high stance
In martial arts (especially kendo), the stance where the sword or weapon is held high above the head, ready to strike downward.
上段(じょうだん)に構(かま)える。
To take a high guard stance.
上段(じょうだん)から打(う)ち込(こ)む。
To strike from a high position.
相手(あいて)が上段(じょうだん)に構(かま)えたので、中段(ちゅうだん)で受(う)ける準備(じゅんび)をした。
When the opponent took a high stance, I prepared to receive in the middle guard.

Part of a three-level system used to describe vertical positions or martial arts stances. Not to be confused with the homophone 冗談(じょうだん) (joke).

THREE-LEVEL SYSTEM:

  • 上段(じょうだん): upper level
  • 中段(ちゅうだん): middle level
  • 下段(げだん): lower level

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 上段(じょうだん)の棚(たな): upper shelf
  • 上段(じょうだん)に構(かま)える: to take a high guard stance
  • 上段(じょうだん)から振(ふ)り下(お)ろす: to swing down from a high position
  • 上段(じょうだん)の間(ま): the upper chamber (in traditional architecture, the elevated section of a room for honored guests)
general
Added 2026.4.9 1:33 · Revised 2026.4.10 17:28
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