上面 (shàng miàn) means above, on top, or on the surface. It is a location noun that indicates position on the upper side of something (桌子上面, on top of the table). In a hierarchical or organisational context it means the higher authorities or those above: 上面说了 (those above said). Related location words form a system: 下面 (below), 里面 (inside), 外面 (outside), 前面 (in front), 后面 (behind).