場所を確保する
basho o kakuho suru
secure a place
Literally: Place (場所) + [Object Marker] (を) + Secure/Guarantee (確保する)
In 15 Seconds
- Actively claiming or reserving a physical space for use.
- Essential for crowded places like cafes, parks, or offices.
- Commonly used for both casual outings and professional meetings.
Meaning
It means grabbing a spot or making sure a space is saved for you or your group before someone else takes it. It’s like putting your towel on a beach chair or booking a meeting room to make sure it's yours.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a crowded food court with a friend
先に場所を確保しておいてくれる？
Can you secure a spot for us first?
In a professional office setting
会議のために、早めに場所を確保しました。
I secured a place early for the meeting.
Texting a friend about a picnic
公園のいい場所を確保したよ！
I secured a great spot in the park!
Cultural Background
This phrase is central to Japanese social life, especially during 'Hanami' (flower viewing) where people stake out spots in parks hours in advance. It reflects a culture that prioritizes group planning and the reality of living in high-density urban areas where space is a premium resource.
The Bag Trick
In Japan, it's common to secure a seat in a cafe by leaving a bag or scarf. It's generally safe, but don't leave your wallet!
Don't over-reserve
Only 'kakuho' what you need. Taking up too much space in public areas is considered 'meiwaku' (a nuisance).
In 15 Seconds
- Actively claiming or reserving a physical space for use.
- Essential for crowded places like cafes, parks, or offices.
- Commonly used for both casual outings and professional meetings.
What It Means
Think of 場所を確保する as your way of saying, "I’ve got this spot!" It’s more than just finding a seat. It’s the active process of making sure a space is available for your specific use. Whether you are placing a bag on a chair at a cafe or booking a massive conference hall, you are performing a 確保 (kakuho). It implies a sense of necessity—if you don't do it, you might lose out.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you need to stake a claim. In casual settings, you might say it to a friend while scouting for a table at a crowded food court. In a business setting, it’s the standard way to talk about booking resources. You simply take the object (usually 場所 for place or 席 for seat) and add を確保する. It’s a sturdy, reliable verb combo that sounds proactive and organized.
When To Use It
This phrase is a lifesaver in crowded Japan. Use it when you’re heading to a popular park for a picnic. Use it when you’re at a busy Starbucks and need to find a place to plug in your laptop. It’s also perfect for office life. If you need a room for a presentation, you tell your boss you’ll 場所を確保する. It shows you’re on top of things. Even when texting a friend about a concert, this works perfectly.
When NOT To Use It
Don’t use this for abstract things. You wouldn't "secure" a feeling or a friendship with this phrase. It’s strictly for physical space or tangible resources. Also, avoid using it for things you already own. You don't "secure" your own living room every morning. That would just be weird. It’s specifically for spaces that are currently "up for grabs" or need to be officially reserved.
Cultural Background
In Japan, 場所を確保する is practically a national sport during *Hanami* (cherry blossom season). Companies often send their newest employees to parks at 5:00 AM. Their sole job? To sit on a blue tarp and 場所を確保する for the evening party. It’s a test of endurance and loyalty! This cultural quirk shows how much value is placed on group harmony and preparation. If the spot isn't secured, the party can't happen.
Common Variations
If you want to sound a bit more casual with friends, you can say 席を取る (seki o toru), which literally means "take a seat." If you’re talking about a larger area, you might say スペースを確保する (supeesu o kakuho suru). In very formal documents, you might see 会場を押さえる (kaijou o osaeru), which means "securing the venue." But for 90% of your life, 場所を確保する is the gold standard.
Usage Notes
This is a versatile collocation that fits almost any situation. It's neutral enough for the office but common enough for a weekend outing. Just remember it focuses on the *act* of securing.
The Bag Trick
In Japan, it's common to secure a seat in a cafe by leaving a bag or scarf. It's generally safe, but don't leave your wallet!
Don't over-reserve
Only 'kakuho' what you need. Taking up too much space in public areas is considered 'meiwaku' (a nuisance).
The 'Blue Tarp' Rule
If you see a blue tarp in a park, that space is 'kakuho-ed'. Even if no one is there, it's socially respected as taken.
Examples
6先に場所を確保しておいてくれる？
Can you secure a spot for us first?
Using 'shite oite' implies doing it in advance for future convenience.
会議のために、早めに場所を確保しました。
I secured a place early for the meeting.
Shows professionalism and preparation.
公園のいい場所を確保したよ！
I secured a great spot in the park!
Short and punchy for a text message.
猫が私のベッドの真ん中を確保している。
The cat has secured the middle of my bed.
Treats the cat's behavior as a strategic takeover.
イベントの会場を確保するのは大変でした。
It was hard work securing the venue for the event.
Refers to the difficulty of booking a large space.
花見の場所を確保するために、朝から並んでいます。
I've been lining up since morning to secure a spot for flower viewing.
A very common real-world scenario in Japan.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to tell your colleague you will book the room.
私が会議室の___を確保しておきますね。
'場所' (basho) refers to the physical place or room needed for the meeting.
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase 'secure a seat'.
混む前に席を___しましょう。
'確保' (kakuho) is the standard verb for securing or reserving a spot.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Securing a Spot'
Used with friends at a cafe.
席取っといて！ (Seki tottoite!)
Standard daily use.
場所を確保する (Basho o kakuho suru)
Business or event planning.
会場を確保いたしました (Kaijou o kakuho itashimashita)
Where to use 場所を確保する
Hanami Picnic
Claiming a spot under a tree.
Office Meeting
Booking a conference room.
Busy Cafe
Saving a chair with your bag.
Concert Hall
Finding a spot in the standing area.
Practice Bank
2 exercises私が会議室の___を確保しておきますね。
'場所' (basho) refers to the physical place or room needed for the meeting.
混む前に席を___しましょう。
'確保' (kakuho) is the standard verb for securing or reserving a spot.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions予約 (yoyaku) is an official reservation made through a system. 確保 (kakuho) is the general act of making sure you have the space, whether by booking it or physically standing there.
No, you can't 'secure' a person. This is strictly for physical locations or resources like 予算 (yousan - budget).
Yes, it's very common. You might write 会議室を確保しました (I have secured the meeting room) to inform your team.
Not at all. It sounds prepared and responsible. It’s a very neutral, functional phrase.
Absolutely. 駐車スペースを確保する (chuusha supeesu o kakuho suru) is exactly how you'd say it.
You can use 席を取る (seki o toru) for seats or 場所を取る (basho o toru) for general spots when talking to friends.
You can say 席を確保しておくね (Seki o kakuho shite oku ne).
Yes! Police use it to mean 'securing' a suspect (arresting them). But in daily life, it's just about seats and rooms.
Yes, you can say 時間を確保する (jikan o kakuho suru) to mean carving out time in your schedule.
In some contexts like Hanami, yes. In a busy cafe, it's considered rude to stay too long after securing a spot.
Related Phrases
席を取る (To take/save a seat)
予約する (To reserve/book)
場所を押さえる (To secure a venue/spot - slightly more professional)
キープする (To 'keep' or hold something)
