Dictionary🇨🇳 Chinese → 🇺🇸 English

不上

bú shàng

Description

“不上”常常放在动词后面，表示“做不到”或“达不到某个程度”。

"不上" is often placed after a verb to indicate "cannot do" or "cannot reach a certain level."

比如“比不上”“赶不上”“说不上”，都很常用。

For example, "比不上" (cannot compare), "赶不上" (cannot catch up), and "说不上" (cannot say) are all commonly used.

Meanings

比不上bǐ bú shàng

cannot compare with; not as good as

我做菜比不上妈妈。

I can't cook as well as Mom.

赶不上gǎn bú shàng

cannot catch up with; miss (a train, etc.)

快一点，不然赶不上火车。

Hurry up, or you'll miss the train.

不上bú shàng

cannot go up; cannot reach a level

这个门锁，我关不上。

I can't lock this door.

Related words

比不上赶不上说不上不下得上上

Notes

  • Etymology

    不 (not) + 上 (up/onto), a resultative complement meaning an action cannot be completed.

  • Nuance

    usually follows a verb; 比不上 and 赶不上 are the most common fixed patterns.

Links

Google ImagesWiktionaryYouGlish