noun
upper tier; upper section; upper row
General term for an upper level, tier, shelf, berth, or row in a physical or hierarchical arrangement.
本棚の上段に辞書を置いた。
I put the dictionary on the top shelf of the bookshelf.
寝台列車の上段の寝台を予約した。
I reserved an upper berth on the sleeper train.
noun
place of honor; seat of honor
Refers to the most honored seat or position in a traditional Japanese room, often the seat farthest from the entrance or on a raised floor. Compare 上座 (かみざ).
See also: 上座
お客様を上段に案内した。
I guided the guest to the place of honor.
noun
dais; raised floor section
Specifically a raised part of the floor in a traditional Japanese room, often used as a place of honor. See also 上段の間.
See also: 上段の間
その和室には上段が設けられていた。
That Japanese-style room had a raised floor section.
noun
overhead position (sword in kendo)
In kendo and similar martial arts, the stance where the sword is held above the head. A specialized term.
剣道で上段の構えをとる。
Take an overhead stance in kendo.