Meaning
The week before the current one.
Cultural Background
The term is used universally in both professional and casual settings. People often use {上|shàng}{礼|lǐ}{拜|bài} interchangeably with {上|shàng}{个|gè}{星|xīng}{期|qī}. Cantonese speakers frequently use 'shang go lai bai' in daily life. Standard Mandarin usage is common, but 'libai' is also understood.
Spatial Logic
Always visualize the calendar. Up is past, down is future. This trick works for months (shang ge yue) and years (shang yi nian) too!
Regional Variation
Don't be surprised if you hear 'libai' in the South. It means the exact same thing as 'xingqi'.
Meaning
The week before the current one.
Spatial Logic
Always visualize the calendar. Up is past, down is future. This trick works for months (shang ge yue) and years (shang yi nian) too!
Regional Variation
Don't be surprised if you hear 'libai' in the South. It means the exact same thing as 'xingqi'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
______ 我去看了电影。
Since the verb is in the past, we need 'last week'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct order.
The order is always [Time Marker] + [Measure Word] + [Noun].
Match the time phrase to its meaning.
Match: 上个星期, 下个星期, 这个星期
上=last/up, 下=next/down, 这=this.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises______ 我去看了电影。
Since the verb is in the past, we need 'last week'.
Choose the correct order.
The order is always [Time Marker] + [Measure Word] + [Noun].
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
上=last/up, 下=next/down, 这=this.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is perfectly acceptable in both professional and casual emails.
It is neutral. Use 'shangzhou' for very formal reports.
It is the measure word for week. You need it to count or specify the week.
Related Phrases
上周
synonymLast week
下个星期
contrastNext week
这个星期
similarThis week
上个月
builds onLast month
