Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to 'that place' depends on physical and psychological distance, formality, and context. The most common word is そこ (soko), but other terms like あそこ (asoko) or あちら (achira) are used for places farther away or in polite speech. Often, the place is omitted when clear from context.
Referring to a place close to the person you are speaking to.
Standard word for 'that place' when the place is near the listener. Used in casual and polite contexts.
May I sit there?
そこは危ないですよ。
That place is dangerous.
Polite version of そこ. Used in formal situations or when showing respect.
そちらにおかけください。
Please sit there.
Referring to a place that is distant from both the speaker and the listener.
Used for a place far from both speaker and listener. Common in everyday speech.
あそこに見えるのが富士山です。
That place you can see over there is Mt. Fuji.
あそこに行ったことがありますか。
Have you ever been to that place?
Polite version of あそこ. Used in formal contexts.
あちらが会場でございます。
That place over there is the venue.
Referring to a place already mentioned or known to both parties.
When the place has been mentioned or is clear from context, そこ is used even if not physically near the listener.
昨日行ったレストラン、そこはとても良かった。
The restaurant we went to yesterday, that place was really good.
Literally 'that place', used for emphasis or clarity, especially in writing.
その場所は地図で確認してください。
Please check that place on the map.
Using 'that place' in common expressions like 'that place in time' or 'that point'.
Use そこ for places near the listener, あそこ for places far from both, and あちら for polite distant references. そちら is the polite form of そこ.
そこに置いてください。
Please put it there (near you).
あそこに置いてください。
Please put it over there (away from us).
あちらに置いてください。
Please put it over there (polite).
In Japanese, if the place is obvious from context, it is often omitted entirely. For example, instead of saying 'I'll go there,' you can simply say 行きます (I'll go).