Definition
上游 (shàng yóu) is a geography noun meaning the upper reaches of a river, and is also used figuratively for a leading position in a competition or industry chain. Unlike 上层 (shàng céng), which refers to the upper level of a social or organizational hierarchy, 上游 focuses on being ahead in a process or ranking. Its antonym is 下游 (xià yóu), meaning lower reaches or a lagging position.
noun
upper reaches of a riverupstream area (geography)leading positiontop rankforefront (figurative, e.g. in competition or industry chain)
Examples
- 上游。Zhè tiáo hé de shàng yóu shuǐzhì fēicháng qīngchè.The water quality in the upper reaches of this river is very clear.
- ，上游。Zài zhège hángyè, wǒmen gōngsī chǔyú chǎnyèliàn shàng yóu.In this industry, our company is at the upstream portion of the industrial chain.
- ，上游。Tā xuéxí fēicháng kèkǔ, yìzhí zhēngqǔ shàng yóu.He studies very hard and always strives for the top position.
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