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.
そこに座ってもいいですか。
May I sit there?
That place is dangerous.
Polite version of そこ. Used in formal situations or when showing respect.
Please sit there.
Referring to a place that is distant from both the speaker and the listener.
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.
The restaurant we went to yesterday, that place was really good.
Literally 'that place', used for emphasis or clarity, especially in writing.
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.
Please put it there (near you).
Please put it over there (away from us).
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).
That place over there is the venue.