「～以上（は）」- Since/Given That

Explanation

「～以上（は）」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to express a cause-and-effect relationship, meaning "since" or "given that." It indicates that once a certain situation has occurred or a decision has been made, the subsequent action or result becomes inevitable. This structure is often used to convey a strong sense of determination, obligation, or resolve.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
Noun + である + 以上（は）	Noun + である + 以上（は）	Indicates that since someone is in a certain role or state, they must take on the corresponding responsibility or obligation.
Verb Plain Form + 以上（は）	Verb Plain Form + 以上（は）	Indicates that since a decision or action has been made, one must follow through with it.
い-Adjective Plain Form + 以上（は）	い-Adjective Plain Form + 以上（は）	Indicates that since a certain condition or state exists, one must take the corresponding action.
な-Adjective Stem + である + 以上（は）	な-Adjective Stem + である + 以上（は）	Indicates that since something has a certain quality or state, one must take the corresponding action.

Basic Usage

「～以上（は）」 is used to emphasize a cause-and-effect relationship, indicating that the preceding situation inevitably leads to the following result. The latter part often expresses a strong sense of determination, obligation, or resolve.

Examples

• 彼かれは先生せんせいである以上いじょう、学生がくせいたちに正ただしいことを教おしえるべきだ。
• Kare wa sensei de aru ijou, gakusei-tachi ni tadashii koto o oshieru beki da.
• Since he is a teacher, he should teach the students the right things.
  

• もうもう酒さけは飲のまないと決きめた以上いじょうは、どんなことでも守まもりたい。
• Mou sake wa nomanai to kimeta ijou wa, donna koto demo mamoritai.
• Since I’ve decided not to drink alcohol anymore, I want to stick to it no matter what.
  

• 日本語にほんご能力のうりょく試験しけんを受うける以上いじょうは、一生懸命いっしょうけんめいに勉強べんきょうしなければならない。
• Nihongo nouryoku shiken o ukeru ijou wa, isshoukenmei ni benkyou shinakereba naranai.
• Since I’m taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, I must study hard.
  

Deep Dive

「～以上（は）」 not only expresses a cause-and-effect relationship but also emphasizes a sense of responsibility or inevitability. The latter part often includes expressions of determination, obligation, or necessity, such as 「～なければならない」, 「～べきだ」, or 「～てはいけない」.

Examples

• このこのプロジェクトプロジェクトを引き受けひきうけた以上いじょうは、最後さいごまで責任せきにんをもってやり遂やりとげてください。
• Kono purojekuto o hikiuketa ijou wa, saigo made sekinin o motte yaritogete kudasai.
• Since you’ve taken on this project, please see it through to the end responsibly.
  

• 約束やくそくをした以上いじょうは、必かならず守まもらなければならない。
• Yakusoku o shita ijou wa, kanarazu mamoranakereba naranai.
• Since you’ve made a promise, you must keep it.
  

Comparison and Differences

「～以上（は）」 is similar to 「～からには」, but 「～以上（は）」 is more formal and often used in written language, while 「～からには」 is more colloquial and used in everyday conversation.

Comparison	～以上（は）	～からには
Formality	Formal	Colloquial
Usage	Written language	Everyday conversation

Real-Life Scenarios

In work or family settings, 「～以上（は）」 is often used to express commitments and obligations, such as: "このプロジェクトを引き受けた以上は、最後まで責任をもってやり遂げてください。"

Summary

「～以上（は）」 is a grammatical structure that expresses a cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing the certainty of the preceding fact or decision and the inevitability of the following result or action. It is commonly used to convey a strong sense of determination, obligation, or responsibility.