The difference between here, there, and over there / "Where are you now?" - Place and location words, Level Start
Consider the difference between here , there and there .
⇒ Let's get a basic understanding of words related to "where," that is, places and locations in Japanese .
[Scene 1] Q: Where are you now? - A: I'm at the station . I've arrived!
[Scene 2] Q: What is this ? - A: Oh, that's a storeroom .
[Scene 3] Q: Where is the restroom ? - A: It's over there .
↑From Scenes ① to ③ above, what kind of scenes can you imagine when reading the [QA] conversation between the two people?
In today's blog, let's study the four useful words " where," "here," "there," and "over there," as well as basic words related to places and locations.
Many of the articles contain basic matters, so I hope that anyone can enjoy today's blog and use it as a review for those who have already thoroughly studied beginner's Japanese, and as an important point of Japanese for those who are just starting to learn Japanese.
Furthermore, the examples of places and locations used are "useful words to know" rather than the beginner's level vocabulary from "Hajime no Ippo!", so we hope you will put effort into memorizing the vocabulary .
Foreign language skills depend primarily on your ability to memorize the words.
●If you find it difficult to read the blog posts, please try reading the translated versions of this page in other languages such as English or Chinese. You can select the language you want to display using the button on the top right of the page.
●Please read all the
For reference, all example words are accompanied by the number of beats and a pronunciation guide.
Example: "Mae" [2] : ma e ←②
↑①
① [Beat]...The beat for pronouncing Japanese words. Speak each sound clearly, as if you were hitting a drum or typing on a keyboard.
② : Pronunciation guide : The types of sounds that are spoken in Japanese are written in the alphabet, one sound at a time. The basic combination is a consonant and vowel. In other words, it is a sound that is expressed by one hiragana character. *Forget about difficult pronunciations and special pronunciations that are influenced by the surrounding environment for today's practice, and try saying "doko" (place and location) clearly and comfortably. ① The goal is to pronounce it so that a powerful block of sound is created smoothly and continuously in combination with the beat. This is a beautiful Japanese pronunciation with a simple, relaxed voice.
● When it comes to words for places and locations, always practice speaking the words while imagining what position, place, and space you are talking about. Similarly, when it comes to words like "where," "here," "there," and "over there," practice speaking and pronouncing the words while being fully aware of what position you are talking about in relation to yourself and the other person. By strongly imagining what is meant while saying the Japanese word, the word and its meaning will be strongly linked. Make the image as strong and clear as possible, and practice pronouncing the word repeatedly to memorize it. Memorization is the power of a foreign language, and vocabulary is an essential part of your Japanese skills.
1.
① where, ② here, ③ there, ④ over there
*1-2) How-to for sentence patterns "where," "here," "there," and "over there"
2. Station
⇒ Exit, north, south, east, west + entrance, ticket booth, ticket gate, platform, platform number
3. Company
⇒ Offices, reception, conference rooms, reception rooms, smoking rooms, changing rooms, parking lots, warehouses, emergency exits
4. School
⇒ Classrooms, cafeterias, gymnasiums, libraries, music rooms, art rooms, staff rooms, corridors, schoolyards, rooftops
5. Apartments and houses
⇒ Entrance, Japanese-style room, Western-style room, living room, kitchen, bedroom, closet, bath, toilet, garden, balcony
6. Shopping
⇒ Greengrocers, pharmacies, florists, bookstores, secondhand bookstores, secondhand clothing stores, recycle shops, large supermarkets, food sections
7. Shopping
⇒ Men's clothing department, women's clothing department, cosmetics department, 1st floor (◯th floor), furniture store, electronics store
8. Restaurants
⇒ Shops, izakayas, ramen shops, sushi shops, okonomiyaki restaurants, coffee shops
9. Hotel
⇒ Guest rooms, large public bath, men's bath, women's bath, changing rooms, sauna, banquet hall, souvenir shop, restrooms
10. Position
⇒ in front, behind, above, below, right, left, outside, in, between, opposite, beside, next to, near
Now, let's begin today's lesson!
1.
What does "where", "here", "there", and "over there" mean?
① Ask "Where"!
Sentence pattern: "Where is ◯◯?"
Doko (where) [2] : do ko - unknown place, location you are looking for
example:
Q: Um, where is the camera? - A: Oh, it's in the warehouse.
Q: Where is Mr. Sato? - A: Mr. Sato is in the meeting room right now.
Q: Excuse me, where is the toilet? - A: Oh, the toilet is on the second floor.
② "Here" is the nearby zone
-1) Let me show you around
example:
A: This is an all-you-can-eat restaurant. -B: Wow, that looks delicious! It's been a while since I've had yakiniku, so I'm looking forward to it.
Position: You - Opponent
Just imagine that the area on your side ↑ [red part] = "here" and read the example conversation!
Koko (here) [2] : ko ko - nearby place, close position/location
A: This is the kitchen. -B: It's so beautiful!
A: This used to be a big forest. - B: Wow, now there are only buildings so it's hard to tell.
A: This place was just opened last year. -B: Hmm, this might be my first time visiting a Japanese-style art museum.
-2) Be careful
A: This is the exit. B: Oh, I was wrong!
A: It's a no smoking area . -B: Oh, sorry.
A: It's forbidden to throw money here . - B: Oh, really? It's different from temples.
3. That’s the opponent’s zone.
example:
-1) Ask the other person about a facility (/space) near them.
A: What's that ? - B: Oh, this is the locker room.
Position: You - Opponent
Just imagine the area on the person you're talking to as the green part ↑ = "that" and read the example conversation!
Soko (There) [2] : so ko means the place or location where the other person is located, or the other person's territory. It also means a position that is "a little distant" regardless of interpersonal relationships .
A: Is that seat free? - B: Is it here? (pointing to the seat next to him) Yes, please use it.
A: Isn't the air conditioning blowing over there ? - B: Yes, it doesn't bother me at all here. (If it's cold, why don't you move to this table?)
A: Can't I enter there ? - B: Yes, this is a paid conference room so you need to make a reservation in advance.
-2) Be careful.
A: It's dangerous there . - B: Wow, you're right. I didn't realize there were stairs!
A: It 's locked. - B: Oh, you're right. It won't open.
A: It's hot there . - B: Yes, it's true. The air conditioner doesn't blow any air.
-3) Communicate what is needed and give instructions.
A: I will be about 10 minutes late, so please wait there . -B: Oh, again? ...Okay.
B: I wonder where my eraser went. -A: It's right there ! Under the notebook.
*"There" can also refer to a zone that is a little far away from the two people who are talking.
example:
A: There's a convenience store over there . - B: Yes, you're right. It's hot, so let's buy a Coke!
A: What! A big stray cat! Where is it? - B: Look, there it is. Look under the bench.
4. "There" is a faraway zone
-1) Point to something far away.
example:
A: Oh, it's Tokyo Tower. Over there ! - B: You're right. It's pretty small, but you can see it from so far away.
Position:
Let's read the example conversation by simply imagining the area that is far away from both you and your conversation partner as "that place" [the blue part]!
A so ko (over there) [3] : a so ko – indicates a faraway place or position.
A: You can see Mt. Fuji over there . -B: Oh? Really? Hmm... Ah! I found it! I can see just the top of its head.
A: That 's the goal. - B: Wow! I can finally see it, but it's so far away!
A: What a great view. (From the top of the mountain) I guess that 's Shinjuku. - B: Yes, there are lots of tall buildings lined up. You've come a long way!
A: There's smoke rising over there . What is it? - B: Yes, it is. I wonder if there's a fire or something...
-2) Even indoors, if there is a place (/spot) where you feel distanced, talk "over there."
A: Um, where is Suzuki's desk? - B: Ah, the desk at the very back over there is Suzuki's.
A: Oh, where did the trash can go? - B: It's over there . They're changing the layout (of this office).
A: Yamada-san, where did you go? - B: That's a long time for a toilet... Ah! He's back there . Look! (pointing to Yamada-san)
A: What's that ? - B: Maybe an emergency exit?
*1-2) Sentence patterns and how-to for "where," "here," "there," and "over there"
We will organize how to use the four useful words "where," "here," "there," and "over there" in sentences.
Sentence pattern [asking for location]
"Where is ◯◯?"
①First, let's tell us the name of the place you are looking for, "◯◯."
② Make sentences with "◯◯" + "wa"
Example: Where is the wine section?
Sentence pattern: [Introducing what kind of place it is]
"Here/there/over there is ◯◯."
①First, indicate the location at the beginning of the sentence by using "here (or there)."
② ["Here (/there/over there)" + "wa"] ← After this set, you can introduce the name of a place by saying "It's ◯◯."
Example: This is a booth for online meetings.
Sentence pattern: [Point out the location of the place the other person is looking for]
"◯◯ is here/there/over there."
①First, start by talking about the name of the place (space, facility, etc.) the other person is looking for.
② Make a sentence with "◯◯" + "wa". Then, in the second half of the sentence, use "here (or there)" along with a gesture to communicate the location.
Example: The bathroom is over there.
Example: The manager's desk is over there.
■As shown above, it is fine to think of the pattern of starting a sentence with the particle "wa" as a generally easy-to-use sentence.
So,
How should the particle "ga" be combined with the four useful words such as "doko ga," "koko ga," "soko ga," and "osoko ga"?
■◯◯ "ga" ... This is a particle that strongly and clearly indicates ◯◯. You can say that it shows the target, or it may be easier to understand if you think of it as shining a spotlight on something.
Here are just a few examples:
Example: I wonder where is a good place to go cherry blossom viewing this year.
↑ Purposefully searching for a location for an event that meets your desired criteria.
Example: Where is the entrance to this store?
↑Even though the entrance is unknown, the speaker is clearly aware of the target and speaks about "where (which position)" in the building the entrance is.
※"Doko" is generally not paired with the particle "wa."
Example: This is my town.
↑It's not anywhere else. It's here.
Example: That might be the best spot to see cherry blossoms!
↑You are engaging in a conversation by (acknowledging the suggestion) and agreeing that the place your friend recommended is the 'best'.
Example: That 's the goal! I can see it.
↑We've finally come this far! Pointing to the goal we were aiming for, we say with confidence, "It's over there."
I would be very happy if you could read the examples and expand your imagination.
Particles are a diverse, delicate, and useful technique in the Japanese language. Always try to weave colorful Japanese by reading, listening, and memorizing various combinations.
Now, let's start learning vocabulary.
Let's review familiar
2. Station
If you're sightseeing in Tokyo, I think traveling by train and subway is safe, secure, affordable and convenient.
Exit "deguchi" [3] ：de gu chi・・・・In the case of a station, the entrance or exit is generally called an "exit". ◯A1 Exit[？ ]A1 Entrance.
A1 Exit [7] : eei chi de gu chi ... [A1] numbered exit
Exit A2 "E-ni-de-guchi" [6] ：ee ni de gu chi
B1 Exit "B-Ichi deguchi" [7] ：bi ii chi de gu chi
C1 Exit "Shi-ichi-de-guchi" [7] ：shi ii chi de gu chi
*By the way, in general Japanese, the word that pairs with "deguchi" is "iguchi" (entrance).
→ Entrance [4] ： i ri gu chi
East Exit [5] : the east entrance and its surrounding area (mainly the outside)
West Exit [4] : ni shi gu chi (west entrance and its surrounding area)
South Exit [5] : mi na mi gu chi - the south entrance and its surroundings
North Exit [4] : ki ta gu chi (northern entrance and its surroundings)
Ticket office "Kippuuriba" [6] : ki p pu u ri ba ...'The space ( place ) where tickets are sold ', so it is "ticket office". There are surprisingly many simple words in the Japanese vocabulary. "◯◯ office" refers to the space where ◯◯ is sold. Now that we have apps like Suica, the opportunities to use ticket machines have decreased, but we still often use it when buying discount tickets such as 24-hour tickets (free passes).
Ticket gate [4] : kaisatsu (ticket gate). Recently, more and more stations are starting to accept credit cards instead of tickets by tapping them directly on the gate.
Home "Ho-o-mu" [3] : Ho-o-mu - the space where trains arrive and depart. Platform. The number of places where platform doors are installed has increased significantly. Are the white lines for safety standards being replaced by yellow tactile paving blocks?
※(No.) Platform number: This is the platform number where trains depart and arrive. Platform 1 at JR Shinjuku Station is for the Saikyo Line bound for Osaki.
Line 1 "Ichibansen" [6] ：i chi ba N se N
3. Company
There are many words that are only used in work situations. A businessman who is "good" at his job may be an office worker who "speaks Japanese."
Office "jimu sho" [3] : ji mu sho - A space generally used for clerical work. It is easier to understand if you think of it as the base of the back space of a company or store. Office.
Reception "uketsuke" [4] : u ke tsu ke ... At the entrances of larger companies and office buildings, high-end restaurants, etc., there are "reception desks" set up as the first point of contact for customers. This might be a chance to try out the business Japanese you've been polishing. Entrance.
Conference room "kaigishitsu" [5] : kai gishitsu ...It is a room for meetings, so it is a "conference room". Meeting room. "◯◯ room" means .
Reception room [6] : A reception room used for talking with visitors. It is generally more luxuriously furnished than a conference room.
Smoking room [6] : ki tsu e N shi tsu - a room (space) reserved for smoking. Smoking etiquette has become stricter recently. *When a smoking area is installed outdoors, it is called a "smoking area."
Smoking area “Kitsuenjo” [5] : ki tsu e N jyo … smoking area.
Changing room [5] : ko ui shi tsu - a room for changing clothes. I think that there is always a locker room in a company or workplace that has uniform rules.
Parking lot "chushajo" [5] : chu u sha jyo o. It's a place to park your car. Parking is it. ※A parking space for bicycles is called a "choushikijo".
Bicycle parking lot [6] : chu u ri N jyo o - a place to park bicycles. ※Motorcycles often have their own parking lots, but I think it's common that depending on the size of the bike, you should park it in a bicycle parking lot or a parking lot.
Warehouse "so ko" [3] : so o ko - a place to store things. They come in various sizes, such as warehouses. Smaller ones would be "a place to put things " and would be "a storage room."
Storage shed [4] : mo no o ki
Emergency exit [5] : hi jyo o gu chi. An emergency exit is an exit to be used in the event of a disaster, incident, or other danger. It is indicated by white and green guiding signs.
4. School
There are a variety of spaces here. Let's focus on words that are also useful for outdoor scenes.
Classroom [4] : kyo o shi tsu - a room for studying. Classroom. Until recently, there were about 40 students in a class, but it seems that classes are gradually becoming smaller.
Dining Hall "Shokudo" [4] : Shokudo (dining hall) - a hall where you can eat and chat. Cafeteria. The standard "yakisoba bread" in most schools is a Japanese-style dog sandwich made of yakisoba noodles sandwiched between two pieces of bread.
Gymnasium [6] : gym space. It is a large hall and is often used for events such as entrance ceremonies, and sometimes dramas take place there.
Library [4] : to sho shi tsu - library. By the way, a standalone facility that is a 'building' is called a 'library'.
Library "toshokan" [4] : to sho ka N
Music Room [6] : The Music Room. It is said to be a mysterious and ghost story spot.
Art room "Bijutsushitsu" [5] : Bi jyu tsu shi tsu ... It's a difficult word to pronounce. Practice it well. Drawing pictures, using clay, sculpting. There are many ghost stories here as well as above, but the colorful and uniquely displayed works are a pleasure to look at, and the smell of the atelier that accompanies the creations is wonderful.
Staff room [6] : the office for teachers. The teacher’s room.
Corridor “ro o ka” [3] : ro o ka – a passageway within the structure of a building.
Schoolyard [4] : The school grounds.
Rooftop "Okujo" [4] : o ku jyo o - the open space at the top of the building,
5. Apartments and houses
Remember when you looked at the floor plan (internal structural design of the building) of a property at a real estate agency and check the words. It's something you never get bored of looking at, and each part has a name, so it's worth studying.
Genkan [4] : ge N ka N. This is the main entrance at the front of the house. This is where you take off and put on your shoes. It feels good to see your shoes neatly lined up in the genkan.
Japanese-style room "Washitsu" [3] : wa shi tsu - A traditional Japanese room. I think the smell of tatami mats is wonderful. The size is expressed by the number of tatami mats. Four and a half tatami mats, six tatami mats, eight tatami mats...
Western-style room [4] : yo o shi ysu - a room in a style that came from the West. It is called this in order to distinguish it from a Japanese-style room. Just like the distinction between Japanese and Western clothing, it is certainly useful for activities.
Living room "ima" [2] : i ma - the central living space. The pitch accent in standard Japanese is "ima" (low-high). The living room. A place to watch TV, eat, drink tea and chat.
Kitchen [5] : da i do ko ro - a space for cooking. Kitchen.
Bedroom [4] : shi N shi tsu - a room to sleep in.
※ Oshiire [4] ：o shi i re・・・・・・Is this the place where Doraemon sleeps? It is a built-in storage space where you can fold up your futon and put it away during the day.
Bath 「Ofuro」 [3] : o fu ro・・・After all, soaking in warm water helps you forget the fatigue of the day. Bathroom. It is best to enjoy a bath twice a day in the summer and once a day in the winter.
Ote-arai (restroom) [5] : o te a ra i (restroom). I’ve completely forgotten about the Japanese-style toilets.
Niwa [2] : Ni wa is a relaxing space outside the building that is designed for relaxation and multi-purpose use. It is a garden.
Veranda [4] : be ra N da - an outdoor space outside the window of a room on the second floor or higher. A balcony. It can be used as a small garden, to hang out laundry, to have a barbecue, to chat with your family, or to feel sentimental alone with a cigarette in your mouth. I think it's a small but strangely endearing space.
6. Shopping
It's like going out to buy daily necessities in a familiar place. When you walk down a shopping street, you can discover a wide variety of businesses. Many shops have names that are simply named like this: "(business name) + 'ya'" (/ "◯◯ya").
Yaoya [3] : Yaoya is a shop that sells vegetables. Please try some typical Japanese vegetables. They also sell fruits, but it's interesting to think about whether watermelon is a vegetable or a fruit!
Pharmacy "Yakkyoku" [4] : ya k kyo ku - a drug store. Large drug stores in Japan sell food, drinks, alcohol, and even daily necessities, making them almost like discount stores.
Flower Shop "Hanaya" [3] : ha na ya - A flower shop that sells flowers. The bouquets on the street corner are so beautiful that you can't help but stop in your tracks. They are a great gift that can add color to any occasion, so they are very useful.
Bookstore "Honya" [3] : ho N ya ...It's a store that sells books, so it's a "bookstore." This is also a good, simple name.
Furuhon-ya (Secondhand Bookstore) [5] : fu ru ho N ya – a store that sells secondhand books.
Furugiya [4] : fu ru gi ya is a store that sells second-hand (previously worn) clothing and accessories. There seems to be a lot more of them these days, and you can find some really great items there!
Recycle shop [8] : ri sa i ku ru sho p pu - a shop that deals in second-hand goods. They seem to have a lot of furniture and interior items, but they also have bicycles, kimonos, cameras, and other surprising items.
Large supermarket “Oogata Super” [8] : oo ga ta su u pa a. Not only food, but also daily necessities and a variety of other products are available here.
Food section [7] : sho ku hi N u ri ba - a section in a supermarket or other store where food is sold. "◯◯ section" refers to the section (place) in the store where "◯◯" is sold. "Wine section," "fruit section," "daily necessities section," etc.
7. Shopping
Let's go shopping in style!
"Shopping" basically means shopping. Think of it as shopping for slightly more luxurious 'entertainment' items rather than everyday items.
By using katakana, basic words are written in a way that gives them an image of being slightly newer and more fashionable.
Here, we will start by reviewing vocabulary, mainly words that are related to department stores.
Men's clothing section [8] ：shi N shi fu ku u ri ba・・・This is the men's fashion section. It is usually located a little away from the entrance and on a relatively high floor. Women's clothing is located on the floor a little closer to the entrance, while furniture, interior goods, and luxury household goods are located on the upper floors, and the top floor is the restaurant floor.
Fujin Fuku Uriba (Women’s Clothing Section) [8] ： fu ji N fu ku u ri ba・・・This is the women’s fashion section. It’s colorful and nice.
Cosmetics section [8] : ke sho o hi N u ri ba (cosmetics section). It is usually located in the space just inside the entrance. It is also common to find it next to the accessories and precious metals section.
*Let's also review the names of each floor (number + floor number) here.
[◯th floor]↓
1st floor [4] : ik ka i - the floor inside the building that is on the same level as the ground. It is the lowest floor on the ground level.
Second floor : ni ka i (2nd floor) [3]. The second floor is one floor above the first floor. The following floors are named in the same way, with the number increasing for each floor.
Third floor “sankai (san-gai)” [4] : sa N ka i … The pronunciation of “san-gai” is standard, but has this way of calling it become generally accepted?
4th floor "Yonkai" [4] : yo N ka i
5th floor "Gokai" [3] ：go ka i
6th floor "ROKKAI" [4] : ro k ka i
7th floor "Nanakai" [4] : na na ka i
8th floor [4] ：ha chi ka i
9th floor "kyukai" [ 4]
10th floor “jukkai (jikkai)” [4] : jyu k ka i … The pronunciation of “jikkai” is also standard, but this way of calling is widely used.
*Below ground level is expressed as "underground..." .
Basement 1 (chikai-kai) [6] : chi ka ik ka i . This is the floor below the first floor, the shallowest floor below ground level. From here on, the number will be increased for each floor below.
Basement 2 "Chikanikai" [5] : chi ka ni ka i . This is one floor below the basement. The basement is mainly used for food sales. "Depachika" (← the basement of a department store) has everything from prepared foods to high-quality ingredients, fruits, sweets, and alcohol, making it a fun place to stroll around and a great place to buy gifts.
Furniture store "Kaguya-san" [5] : ka gu ya sa N・・A furniture specialty store. Although "◯◯-ya" is a cute way of calling someone, it is a way of speaking that is widely used in general conversation, so keep it in your memory. "◯◯-ya" → "◯◯-ya 'san'"
Electrical appliance store "denki-ya-san" [6] : de N ki ya sa N - "denki-ya-san" can be anything from a small shop in a shopping district that sells home appliances to a huge store like a discount store. You could call it a "general store" that sells everything. Not only do they stock specialized equipment, but they also sell everything from smartphone purchases and contracts to electric bicycles, fitness equipment, and even alcohol and medicine. "XX cameras," "XX electricity," and others.
8. Restaurants
Restaurants are often called "restaurants."
Shop "Omise" [3] : o mi se - a place that sells something. A "medicine store" is a pharmacy, but any commercial store that sells anything is called a shop, and restaurants are often called "stores." Interesting.
"That restaurant is delicious."
"The shop in front of the station is offering a special offer now."
"I want to go to a restaurant that serves delicious pizza."
Learn the words for restaurants in Japanese towns.
Izakaya [4] : I za ka ya is a Japanese restaurant and bar that serves food and drinks.
Ramen shop "Ramen-ya" [5] : ra a me N ya ... Ramen shop. You can also say ramen restaurant. I think you used to be able to eat it for about 500 yen, but now it's quite expensive. Maybe it's a memory from a long time ago.
Sushi restaurant "Sushiya" [3] : su shi ya - a sushi restaurant. Sushi restaurants. From very high-end restaurants (by the way, "eye-popping!" is used to express high prices), to conveyor belt sushi restaurants and family-style restaurants. There are also restaurants where you can order katsudon and curry.
Okonomiyaki Restaurant "Okonomiyaki Yakiya" [7] : o ko no mi ya ki ya - an okonomiyaki restaurant. It's delicious to cook the slightly soft monjayaki together. You eat while cooking around the hot plate, so it's a fun place to go with a large group.
Coffee shop "Kissaten" [5] : ki s sa te N - Cafe. Chain stores such as "Doutor", "Veloce", "Tully's", "Excelsior Cafe", and "Starbucks" are widely distributed in every town in Japan. I think that there are many Japanese people, including myself, who "like coffee". In a broad sense, it means a coffee shop, and the nostalgic "kissaten" brings to mind the aroma floating in a dimly lit store.
9. Hotel
The Japanese style is called "ryokan" (traditional Japanese inn). Let's review the words while reminiscing about our travel memories.
Guest room [4] : the room where our guests (usually us) stay.
Daiyokujo (large public bath) [6] : da i yo ku jyo o - a large bath space, a bath used by many people, including hotel guests. It is a Japanese specialty and one of the main attractions of travel. It is especially nice at hot springs.
Men’s Bath “Otokoyu” [4] : o to ko yu : a large public bath for men.
Women’s Bath “Onnayu” [4] : o N na yu : a large public bath for women.
Dressing room [4] : da tsu i jyo - the space just before entering the bath. A place to take off and put on clothes. There is usually a fan and a weighing scale.
Sauna "sauna" [3] : sa u na ...It's the pleasure of being in a large bath that you can't experience at home. It's a steam bath. There are various types such as dry sauna, steam sauna, low temperature sauna, etc., and you can really enjoy the large bath.
Banquet hall [6] : a large hall for holding banquets. A party space for large groups.
Souvenir Shop "Omiyagemonoya" [7] : o mi ya ge mo no ya - A shopping corner where you can find souvenirs for your trip. Find local sweets and items. By the way, there is a huge number of local soft serve ice creams from all over Japan, so there are many unique items waiting for travelers.
Restroom “keshoushitsu” [5] : ke sho o shi tsu – a toilet. It is also called a “restroom.”
10. Position
Now, in this section, let's review and review specific words that indicate location.
“Mae” [2] : ma e – the position in front of something.
Example explanation: There is a post box in front of the post office.
Back [3] : u shi ro – the position behind something.
Example explanation: There is a clerk behind the cash register.
Up [2] : ue : The side that is away from the ground. It also generally refers to the side from the observer’s eyes in the direction of the eyebrows when looking at a screen.
Explanation example: (In modern trains,) every car has a TV above the door. The quiz programs are quite educational and never boring.
Example explanation: The character "nin" has the character for "blade" above the character for "heart."
下 「下」 [2] ： shi ta・・[↓] The side to which an object falls when it is released from one's hand. It also generally refers to the side from the observer's eyes towards their nose and mouth when looking at a screen.
Example explanation: I like the beautiful gradation of espresso on top and milk on the bottom of [ICE cafe latte]. By the way, if you replace the coffee part with drip coffee, it becomes "cafe au lait".
Example explanation: The character "nin" has the character for "blade" underneath the character for "spirit."
Right [2] :mi gi ...[→] This refers to the side of the page where the "Book a Lesson" button (displayed in green) is located.
Example explanation: It is called "Migiri Miso Soup" and in Japan, miso soup is placed on the right side of the dining table.
Left [3] :hi da ri ...[←] indicates the side of the top guide of the page with the "Japanese Learning Support" logo (displayed in grey).
Example explanation: At the Japanese dining table, white rice is usually placed on the left.
Outside “soto” [2] : so to - as opposed to inside, outside. It refers to the unoccupied side of the two zones that are separated by the contours of a space or area.
Example explanation: It's cold outside, so don't forget your coat!
Example explanation: I always make sure my dog wears a collar and lead when outside. (= My dog doesn't wear anything inside the house.)
Example explanation: Milk (🥛) is saying "Don't leave it outside the fridge!"
Example explanation: The ticket machines are outside the ticket gates.
中「なか」 [2] ： na ka・・ refers to a position in space. It refers to the occupied side of the two zones that are separated by the contours of a space or area.
Example explanation: I just put the cheese (🧀) in the fridge with the milk.
Example explanation: Hibiya Park has restaurants, cafeterias, a library and tennis courts.
Between [3] : ai da : A zone bounded on both ends by two positions, something A and something else B. It is the position between two landmarks.
Example explanation: Between Shinjuku and Shibuya on the Yamanote Line, there are Yoyogi Station and Harajuku Station.
Example explanation: The distance between Shinjuku and Shibuya is about 3km.
Mukai [3] : mu ka i – This refers to the position on the opposite side of a road or passageway.
Example explanation: Across the roundabout from the station is a shopping street.
Example explanation: Across the road from Takaosanguchi Station is the trick art museum.
*When there is a table, counter, etc. between two things, that is, when expressing a close distance within a room, you can also use "opposite."
Example explanation: The customer sitting opposite me was in a friendly mood throughout the conversation.
↑In this case, the drinks are placed on opposite sides of a table, facing each other.
Example explanation: I'm used to sharing lunch tables, but I never expected to sit across from an actor!
Yoko [2] : yo ko - It does not mean a position in front or behind something, but a position close to something. It is a useful word to use in various situations because it does not clearly state whether it is to the right or left, or whether it is next to something or there is a little distance between them.
Example explanation: There is a quiet shrine next to Takaosanguchi Station.
Example explanation: Today at the cinema there was a group of kids sitting next to us, so it was pretty lively.
Next to it [3] : to na ri : the position one position to the side. It means adjacent to the right or left.
Example explanation: Yoyogi Park is located next to Meiji Shrine.
Example explanation: There is a lot of commotion coming from the next room every night.
Example explanation: It's easier to look at the screen together if you sit next to each other, but it's easier to talk if you sit across from each other.
※Even if there is some distance between them, if they are next to each other in order, they are considered "next to each other".
Example explanation: Next to Shinjuku Station is Yoyogi Station. On the other side is Shin-Okubo, which has a fun Korean town.
Chika ku (nearby) [3] : chi ka ku ...refers to a nearby area or place. ※chika → chika (noun), neighborhood.
Example explanation: There are just about everything near Ikebukuro Station, but there are especially a lot of Chinese restaurants.
Explanation example: The area near the station is a no parking zone.
Example explanation: I'd like an apartment that has a convenience store, ATM, and post office nearby.
That's all for today's article.
With the theme of study to add to your basic beginner vocabulary, we have introduced the four words "doko" (where), "koko" (here), "soko" (there), and "ata" (over there), followed by words for locations. For words you are unfamiliar with, please refer to the
Language knowledge is the same as foreign language ability, so study it little by little every day and aim to improve your skills in one month.
And persistence is the only way to become good at speaking a foreign language.
Keep going, and I'm sure you'll achieve great Japanese language skills in another six months.
When you are memorizing words, practicing sentence patterns, and of course when you are training your conversation skills, visualize what you are saying and speak Japanese. Connect what you want to communicate as strongly as possible in your mind with your Japanese.
If you are stuck in your studies, please feel free to contact us.
For serious study, in addition to self-study efforts, we recommend a period of support from a professional teacher.
We at JLS would like to wholeheartedly welcome all of you from overseas.
