Phrase in 30 Seconds
A polite way to invite someone to follow you or move to a specific location.
- Means: Please come this way.
- Used in: Shops, restaurants, or offices to guide guests.
- Don't confuse: Do not use with friends in casual settings.
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
Politically directing someone to a specific direction.
Cultural Background
Pointing with a finger is considered rude. Always use an open hand when gesturing. The phrase is often accompanied by a slight bow.
Use your hand
Always gesture with an open hand to be polite.
Use your hand
Always gesture with an open hand to be polite.
Test Yourself
Which is the most polite way to guide a customer?
Choose the best option:
This is the standard polite expression for guiding someone.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesChoose the best option:
This is the standard polite expression for guiding someone.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it is very appropriate for superiors.
Related Phrases
お席へどうぞ
specialized formPlease go to your seat.
こちらです
similarIt is this way.
Where to Use It
Restaurant
Waiter: いらっしゃいませ。こちらへどうぞ。
Office
Secretary: 会議室はこちらへどうぞ。
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a waiter holding a tray, pointing to a table and saying 'Co-chi-ra' (Coach-era) - 'Come here, era!'
Visual Association
A polite butler bowing slightly with an open hand gesture toward an open door.
Story
You are a new waiter. You see a guest. You bow. You say 'Kochira e douzo' and lead them to the window seat.
In Other Languages
Similar to 'This way, please' in English or 'Par ici, s'il vous plaît' in French.
Word Web
Challenge
Practice saying this phrase 10 times while gesturing with an open hand.
Review in 1 day, then 3 days, then 7 days.
Pronunciation
Pronounced as 'e' like in 'egg'.
Formality Spectrum
こちらへどうぞ。 (Guiding someone.)
こちらに来てください。 (Guiding someone.)
こっち来て。 (Guiding someone.)
こっちこっち！ (Guiding someone.)
The phrase evolved from the need to provide clear, polite guidance in traditional Japanese architecture, where rooms were often partitioned by sliding doors. It became a standard way to bridge the gap between private and public space.
Fun Fact
The word 'kochira' is a polite version of 'koko' (here).
Cultural Notes
Pointing with a finger is considered rude. Always use an open hand when gesturing.
“Use an open palm towards the direction.”
The phrase is often accompanied by a slight bow.
“Bow slightly while gesturing.”
Conversation Starters
How do you guide a guest to a table?
Common Mistakes
ここへどうぞ
こちらへどうぞ
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
Por aquí, por favor.
Japanese requires a specific polite particle 'e'.
Par ici, s'il vous plaît.
Japanese is more formal and ritualized.
Bitte hier entlang.
Japanese focuses on the direction rather than the path itself.
こちらへどうぞ
N/A
تفضل من هنا
Arabic uses 'from here' while Japanese uses 'towards this side'.
Spotted in the Real World
“こちらへどうぞ”
Guiding a new housemate.
Easily Confused
Learners think 'koko' means 'here' so it should work.
Use 'kochira' for polite direction.
Frequently Asked Questions (1)
Yes, it is very appropriate for superiors.
usage contexts
