Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to 'that area' depends on distance from speaker and listener, and whether you mean a general vicinity, a specific place, or a body part. The most common way is to use the demonstrative あの辺 (ano hen) for areas away from both speaker and listener. For areas near the listener, use その辺 (sono hen). For more formal or written contexts, あの地域 (ano chiiki) or あの付近 (ano fukin) are used. When referring to a body part, その辺 (sono hen) is natural.
The speaker refers to a place or area that is not near either the speaker or the listener.
The most common and natural way to say 'that area' in casual conversation. It refers to a general vicinity away from both speaker and listener.
Is there a convenience store around that area?
That area gets quiet at night.
Slightly more formal than あの辺, but still common. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
I heard that area used to be rice fields.
Literally 'that place over there'. More specific than あの辺, pointing to a particular spot rather than a general area.
A new cafe opened up over there.
The speaker refers to an area near the listener.
The speaker refers to a defined geographical area, such as a neighborhood, town, or region.
The speaker refers to the immediate surroundings of a place.
The speaker refers to a part of the body in a vague way, often when pointing or indicating discomfort.
Used when referring to a part of the listener's body or one's own body in a casual, non-specific way. Often accompanied by a gesture.
Does it hurt around that area?
Please massage that area around my shoulder.
あの辺 (ano hen) refers to a general area or vicinity, while あそこ (asoko) points to a specific location. Use あの辺 when you mean 'around there' and あそこ when you mean 'that exact spot'.
I live around that area.
I live right there (pointing).
The prefix あの (ano) indicates distance from both speaker and listener. Use その (sono) when the area is near the listener, and この (kono) when near the speaker. This pattern applies to 辺, 辺り, 地域, etc.
Is there anything interesting around that area (near you)?
That area is undergoing redevelopment.
There are many parks around that area.