Meaning
This verb means to physically board or enter a vehicle such as a bus, car, train, or taxi. The character 上 means 'up' or 'to ascend,' and 车 means 'vehicle,' so together they literally mean 'to go up onto a vehicle.' It's one of the most basic transportation-related verbs in everyday Chinese.
Usage
Used in everyday conversation when talking about getting into any type of vehicle. Commonly paired with its opposite 下车 (to get off). Often used in imperative form like '快上车！' (Hurry, get in!) or in past tense to describe completed actions. Works for all vehicles including cars, buses, trains, and taxis.
Examples
- 01司机说：'请上车，我们要出发了。': ' , .'The driver said: 'Please get on, we're about to depart.'
- 02我刚上车就发现忘带钱包了。.Right after I got in the car, I realized I forgot my wallet.
Characters
Common collocations
- 快上车hurry and get in/on
- 上车走吧get in and let's go
- 请上车please board
- 准备上车prepare to board
Antonyms
Origin
Combines the directional verb 上 (up/ascend) with 车 (vehicle), creating a compound that literally means 'to go up onto a vehicle,' reflecting the physical action of boarding.