Video
Let’s watch this short video for a quick overview.
Source: gokigen japanese official YouTube Channel
Introduction
Want to ask where the bathroom is? Or say “my university is over there”?
Then it’s time to learn the essential Japanese words for location:
ここ・そこ・あそこ・どこ — the こそあど words for places!
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
✔ How to say “here,” “there,” “over there,” and “where” in Japanese
✔ Real-life examples and common phrases
✔ How to use these words naturally in conversation
✔ Bonus tips for cultural and perceptual usage
Let’s explore the world around us — in Japanese!
1. What Are ここ・そこ・あそこ・どこ?
These are location demonstratives in Japanese, used to point out or ask about places.
| Word | Romaji | English Meaning | Used When… |
|---|---|---|---|
| ここ | koko | here | Near the speaker |
| そこ | soko | there | Near the listener |
| あそこ | asoko | over there | Far from both people |
| どこ | doko | where | Used to ask location |
These are essential when giving directions, locating things, or describing where someone or something is.
2. Basic Sentence Examples
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| トイレ は ここ です。 | Toire wa koko desu. | The bathroom is here. |
| えいご の ほん は そこ です。 | Eigo no hon wa soko desu. | The English book is there. |
| こうこう は あそこ です。 | Koukou wa asoko desu. | The high school is over there. |
| だいがく は どこ ですか？ | Daigaku wa doko desu ka? | Where is the university? |
Note: These words are used without nouns. They are stand-alone pronouns.
3. Real-Life Practice Scenarios
Bathroom Location
すみません、おてあらい（＝トイレ）はどこですか。
(Excuse me, where is the bathroom?)
トイレは あそこ です。
(The bathroom is over there.)
Glasses Location
めがね は どこ？
(Where are my glasses?)
そこですよ。
(Right there.)
4. Practice: Try These in Japanese!
Translate the following:
1️⃣ “Where is my smartphone?”
→ わたし の スマホ は どこ ですか。
2️⃣ “Your smartphone is here, Eri.”
→ エリさん の スマホ は ここ です。
3️⃣ “Where is Takeshi’s friend?”
→ たけしさん の ともだち は どこ ですか。
4️⃣ “My friend is over there.”
→ わたし の ともだち は あそこ です。
5. Review: Who’s Closest?
| Japanese | Location | Think of it as… |
|---|---|---|
| ここ | Near you (speaker) | “Right here” |
| そこ | Near the other person (listener) | “By you” |
| あそこ | Far from both | “Over there” |
| どこ | Unknown | “Where?” |
6. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- QCan I use these words before a noun?
- A
No. ここ・そこ・あそこ・どこ are pronouns, not adjectives.
ここ = here
But not: ここ がっこう（学校）
Instead use: この がっこう → this school
- QWhat’s the difference between そこ and あそこ?
- A
そこ: Close to the listener
あそこ: Far from both speaker and listener
7. Conclusion: Know Your Place (Literally!)
Now you know how to say where something is — whether it’s right here, over there, or somewhere you’re not sure of yet. With ここ・そこ・あそこ・どこ, you can navigate conversations and spaces like a native.
Whether you’re asking directions or pointing things out, these words will serve you every day.
Want to improve your Japanese with real conversations?
Our native Japanese instructors at gokigen japanese can help you perfect your pronunciation and learn real-life usage.
Whether you’re completely new to Japanese or looking to refine your skills, book a one-on-one session.
