elementaryA2 · TOCFL a2complementgrammar
上
Pattern
Verb + 上 + object
Key words
Core idea
上 can follow a verb as a result complement meaning contact, attachment, closure, or successful connection.
The pattern is:
verb + 上 + objectHow it works
The base verb tells the action. 上 tells that the action reaches contact or connection: stick on, close up, connect with, catch up with.
Usage boundary
This page focuses on result meaning. 上 can also be a location or direction word, but result complements follow the verb directly.
Examples
请把照片贴上墙。
Qǐng bǎ zhàopiàn tiē shàng qiáng.
Please stick the photo onto the wall.
他关上门了。
Tā guānshàng mén le.
He closed the door.
我终于联系上老师了。
Wǒ zhōngyú liánxì shàng lǎoshī le.
I finally got in touch with the teacher.
Common mistakes
Avoid
他上关门了。
Use
他关上门了。
As a result complement, 上 follows the verb.