If you’ve started learning Japanese, you’ve probably hit this early speed bump: ここ, そこ, あそこ. They all mean some variation of “here” or “there”, but what’s the real difference? And how do you use them without sounding like you’re guessing?
Let’s break it down.
The Central Idea
These words are part of a system called ko-so-a-do words. The prefix tells you whose location you’re referring to:
- ここ (koko) = here, near me (the speaker)
- そこ (soko) = there, near you (the listener)
- あそこ (asoko) = over there, far from both of us
That’s it. The only thing that changes is whose location it’s near.
Let’s Put Them in Action
1. ここ = Here (Near Me)
Use ここ when you’re talking about a place where you are.
Examples:
- ここは静かです。
It’s quiet here. - ここにトイレがあります。
The bathroom is here.
Use ここ when pointing to something near you or referring to the place where you are.
2. そこ = There (Near You)
そこ is used when the location is near the listener.
Examples:
- そこにペンがありますか？
Is there a pen there? - そこは危ないですよ。
That place where you’re standing is dangerous.
This is especially useful when you’re on a call or chatting online and referring to the other person’s surroundings.
3. あそこ = Over There (Far From Both)
あそこ is used for places away from both the speaker and listener.
Examples:
- あそこにコンビニがあります。
There’s a convenience store over there. - 見て、あそこに猫がいる！
Look, there’s a cat over there!
It’s like pointing to something across the street or down the hall.
Bonus: Don’t Confuse It with “どこ”
You’ll also come across:
どこ = where? (the question word)
Example:
- トイレはどこですか？
Where’s the bathroom?
This is the “どこ (doko)” in the same family as ここ, そこ, and あそこ — just used for asking questions.
Quick Reference
| Japanese | English | Location |
|---|---|---|
| ここ | here | Near the speaker |
| そこ | there | Near the listener |
| あそこ | over there | Far from both |
| どこ | where? | Asking for location |
Final Tip
Think of it like a triangle:
- You’re standing at ここ
- The person you’re speaking to is at そこ
- Something away from both of you is at あそこ
Get that mental map right, and you’ll stop second-guessing which one to use.
Ready for the Advanced Class?
Once you’re solid on ここ, そこ, and あそこ, there’s more to explore: こちら / そちら / あちら — the polite versions. But one step at a time.
For now, just remember: location in Japanese is all about perspective. Know where you stand, and the right word will follow.
