以上 vs 以下: “Or More” vs “Or Less” in Japanese (Inclusive!)

Yuka

I always get confused by 以上 and 以下. Do they include the number or not?

Rei

Yes, both include the number! 18歳以上 means “18 and older” (18 included). 18歳以下 means “18 and younger” (18 included). Think of “以” as “starting from this point.”

What Does 以上 (ijou) Mean?

以上 means or more, at least, or above. Crucially, it is inclusive — the stated number is included. 以 means “by means of” or “from,” and 上 means “above.”

• 18歳以上の方のみ入場可能です。 — Only those aged 18 and above may enter.
• 3,000円以上のご購入でポイントが付きます。 — Points are awarded for purchases of 3,000 yen or more.
• 100人以上が参加した。 — More than 100 people (100 or more) participated.
• 期待以上の結果だった。 — The result exceeded expectations.

What Does 以下 (ika) Mean?

以下 means or less, at most, or below. Like 以上, it is inclusive — the stated number is included. 以 + 下 = “from this point downward.”

• 15歳以下は無料です。 — Children aged 15 and under are free.
• 5,000円以下の商品を探している。 — I’m looking for products priced at 5,000 yen or less.
• 気温が0度以下になった。 — The temperature fell to 0 degrees or below.
• 詳細は以下をご覧ください。 — Please see the following for details. (common formal phrase)

Inclusive vs Exclusive: The Four Terms

Yuka

So 18歳以上 includes 18-year-olds, but 18歳超 does not?

Rei

Exactly! 18歳以上 = 18 and older (18 included). 18歳超 = strictly older than 18 (18 not included). This distinction matters a lot in legal and official contexts!

Common Mistakes

• Don’t confuse 以下 with 未満: 20歳以下 includes 20-year-olds; 20歳未満 does not (strictly under 20).
• 以下 has a second usage: “the following” (as in “see below”) — 以下の通り (as follows), 以下をご覧ください (see below).
• 以上 also means “that’s all” at the end of a speech: 以上です。 (That’s all. / That concludes my remarks.)

Quick Quiz

Fill in: 以上 or 以下?

• 1. このゲームは12歳___対象です。 (This game is for ages 12 and up.)
• 2. 体重50kg___の方はお乗りいただけません。 (Those weighing 50kg or less cannot ride.)
• 3. 合格点は70点___です。 (The passing score is 70 points or above.)
• 4. ご説明は___の通りです。 (The explanation is as follows.)

Answers: 1. 以上　2. 以下　3. 以上　4. 以下

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Summary

あわせて読みたい

Chigai vs Chigau Test Both 違い（ちがい） and 違う（ちがう） come from the same root and are often translated as "difference" or "to differ" in English. But learners frequently mi...

あわせて読みたい

未満 vs 以下: “Under” vs “Up To” — Does the Number Count? 未満 (miman)以下 (ika)MeaningLess than X / under XX or less / up to and including XIncludes the number?No — strictly belowYes — X is includedEngl...