Jonatan
When 上 is pronounced "kami" I have read that the word 上 (not the kanji) can be pronounced "kami" besides "ue". I know the kanji 上 can be pronounced "kami" in some words like 川上 [kawakami]. But in this case, I want to know when 上 is pronounced "kami" when this kanji is used alone in a word, without other kanji. Can somebody explain me all the meanings of 上 [kami] (not "ue") and some easy examples for every meaning (with English translation, please)?
Mar 11, 2018 6:49 PM
Answers · 4
2
Let me explain from another angle. I recommend you shoud remember two words, '川上' (where the river flows from) ’風上 KAZAKAMI' (where the wind blows from). you can forget the other words using 'KAMI' unless you want to know Japanese deeply or read Japanese classics. - 'KAMI' is an old Japnese word the original meaning of which is 'source of flow', then also meaning 'upper in position'. - 'KAMI' has been replaced by 'UE'. Nowadays we don't usually use 'KAMI' in the daily conversation except for some cliches, which you don't have to know for daily life.
March 12, 2018
1
I looked up 上 on my smart phone word selecting facility. They are 上方 kamigata an old word for a place called Osaka now. 上高地 kamikouchi a very famous beautiful hill in Nagano prefecture. 上半期 kamihanki means the first half of the year. used in economy report. 上座 kamiza means the seat place near Tokonoma or Butudan in Japanese room. Or, the farthest seat place from the door. 御上 okami means emperor or goverment. But, its an old word. Generally, 上 means upper.
March 12, 2018
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