verb / noun / measure word HSK 3
to rise · to go up · to promote · liter · measure word for liters
Meaning
升 is a versatile word that primarily means 'to rise' or 'to ascend.' It describes upward movement, increases, or advancement in rank or status. As a noun and measure word, it refers to the metric unit 'liter,' used for measuring volume of liquids.
Usage
Native speakers use 升 frequently in contexts of temperature rising, promotions at work, sun rising, or measuring liquids. It's commonly paired with directional complements like 上 or 起 to emphasize the upward motion. When used as a measure word for liters, it appears after numbers.
Examples
- 01太阳从东方升起。.The sun rises from the east.
- 02这瓶水有两升。.This bottle of water is two liters.
Common collocations
- 升高to rise, to increase in height
- 升温temperature rises
- 升职to get promoted
- 升起to rise up, to hoist
Antonyms
Origin
The character 升 originally depicted a measuring vessel used in ancient China, which explains its dual meaning as both a unit of measurement and the concept of rising or elevation.