Meaning and Usage
The verb 上回る (うわまわる) means "to exceed" or "to surpass." It is often used in formal or business contexts to describe numbers, amounts, or results that go beyond a certain standard or expectation.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 上回る used with sales figures, participant counts, or performance metrics. It emphasizes that the actual value is higher than a reference point.
Collocations and Patterns
- 数字を上回る: to exceed a number (e.g., 売上を上回る - exceed sales)
- 予想を上回る: to surpass expectations
- 〜を大きく上回る: to greatly exceed something
Nuance and Register
This verb carries a neutral to formal tone and is common in written reports, news, and business conversations. It is less common in casual speech.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 上回る with 超える (こえる), which also means "to exceed." 上回る is often used for abstract or statistical comparisons, while 超える can be more physical or general. Choosing the right verb depends on context.