Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to 'this place' depends on formality, physical proximity, and whether you are pointing to a location or referring to the current establishment. The most common word is ここ, but in polite or service contexts, こちら is preferred. For shops and businesses, 当店 is used in formal announcements.
The speaker wants to indicate a place close to them, such as 'here' or 'this spot'.
The basic word for 'this place' or 'here'. Used in casual and neutral contexts when the place is near the speaker.
Please sit here.
ここは静かですね。
This place is quiet, isn't it?
A polite alternative to ここ. Often used in customer service or formal situations to refer to 'this place' or 'this way'.
こちらへどうぞ。
This way, please.
お手洗いはこちらです。
The restroom is this way.
Literally 'this place/location'. More explicit and slightly formal. Used when emphasizing the specific location.
この場所は歴史的に重要です。
This place is historically important.
The speaker is referring to the store, restaurant, or business they are currently in, often from the perspective of the staff or in formal announcements.
Means 'this shop/store'. Used by staff or in signs to refer to their own establishment in a formal way.
当店は午後１０時に閉店いたします。
This store closes at 10 PM.
当店のおすすめはラーメンです。
Our recommendation at this shop is ramen.
Can also be used by staff to refer to their establishment politely, similar to 'we' or 'here'.
Used casually by customers to refer to the place they are in, but not by staff to refer to their own business.
ここ、いい店だね。
This place is a nice shop, isn't it?
The speaker is indicating a specific point on a map, in a text, or in a visual reference.
The standard way to point to a spot on a map or diagram.
地図で言うと、ここが駅です。
On the map, this is the station.
Means 'this point/spot'. More technical, used for precise locations.
この地点の標高は５００メートルです。
The elevation at this point is 500 meters.
ここ is the basic word for 'here' and is used in casual and neutral situations. こちら is a polite version, often used when guiding someone or in customer service. It can also mean 'this direction' or 'this person' in formal contexts.
ここに荷物を置いてください。
Please put the luggage here. (neutral)
こちらに荷物をお置きください。
Please place your luggage here. (polite)
When a shop employee wants to say 'this place' to refer to their own store, using ここ can sound too casual or even rude. Use 当店 (とうてん) or こちら instead.
We don't accept credit cards here.