Use 'asoko' to point at a place that is distant from both you and the person you are talking to.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a place far from both speaker and listener.
- Commonly used to point out distant objects or locations.
- Also serves as a vague reference for a specific place.
概要
「あそこ」は日本語の指示語体系における「あ行」の場所を示す言葉です。話し手と聞き手のどちらからも離れた場所を指します。2) 使用パターン: 「あそこは〜です」「あそこに〜があります」のように、場所を特定したり、存在を示すために使われます。また、「あそこの店」のように名詞を修飾する形でも使われます。3) 一般的な文脈: 道案内や、遠くの建物・場所を指し示す際に日常的に使われます。また、具体的な場所の名前を言いたくない時や、忘れた時に「例の場所」というニュアンスで使われることもあります。4) 類似語との比較: 「ここ」は話し手の近く、「そこ」は聞き手の近く、「あそこ」は両者から遠い場所を指します。一方、「あちら」は「あそこ」よりも丁寧で、方向を指し示す際にも使われます。
Examples
あそこが私の家です。
everydayThat place over there is my house.
あちらの席へどうぞ。
formalPlease go to that seat over there.
あそこ、おいしいよね。
informalThat place is delicious, isn't it?
実験場所はあそこです。
academicThe experiment site is over there.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
あそこらへん
Around that area
あそこまで
Up to that point/place
Often Confused With
Soko refers to a place near the listener, whereas asoko refers to a place far from both.
Achira is a more formal and polite version of asoko, often used in business or customer service.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Asoko is a neutral, everyday term used to identify locations. In formal or service-oriented contexts, it is safer to use 'achira' to show respect. Avoid using it to point at people to prevent sounding rude.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse 'soko' and 'asoko'. Remember that 'soko' requires the listener to be near the location, while 'asoko' means it is far from both. Also, some learners mistakenly use it for people, which is incorrect.
Tips
Use asoko for distant locations
Remember the kosoado system: ko-so-a-do. Asoko is the 'a' version, meaning it is far from both parties.
Do not point at people
Never use asoko to refer to a person. It is dehumanizing and considered very rude in Japanese culture.
Politeness levels in pointing
In formal settings, prefer 'achira' over 'asoko'. Using 'achira' sounds more professional and respectful.
Word Origin
Derived from the Japanese kosoado system (ko, so, a, do). 'A' represents distant objects or locations in this linguistic framework.
Cultural Context
Japanese spatial awareness is highly contextual. Using the correct indicator (koko/soko/asoko) is essential for clear communication and showing social awareness of distance.
Memory Tip
Think of 'A' as 'Away'. If the place is 'Away' from both of you, use 'Asoko'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「あそこ」は場所そのものを指すのに対し、「あちら」は方向や場所をより丁寧に指す言葉です。ビジネスシーンや目上の人との会話では「あちら」を使うのが適切です。
いいえ、人を指して「あそこ」と言うのは非常に失礼です。人を指す場合は「あの方」や「あちらの方」を使いましょう。
物理的な距離が離れている場所を指す時や、共通の話題として認識している場所を指す時に使います。日常会話で非常に頻繁に使用されます。
明確な距離の定義はありませんが、話し手と聞き手が「遠い」と感じる場所であればどこでも使えます。建物から街全体まで幅広く指すことができます。
Test Yourself
（話し手と聞き手から遠い場所を指して）___は私の学校です。
両者から遠い場所を指すので「あそこ」が正解です。
駅はどこですか？
場所を尋ねられたので、場所を示す「あそこ」で答えるのが自然です。
（あそこに / あります / コンビニが）
場所を示す言葉は文頭に来ることが多いです。
Score: /3
Summary
Use 'asoko' to point at a place that is distant from both you and the person you are talking to.
- Refers to a place far from both speaker and listener.
- Commonly used to point out distant objects or locations.
- Also serves as a vague reference for a specific place.
Use asoko for distant locations
Remember the kosoado system: ko-so-a-do. Asoko is the 'a' version, meaning it is far from both parties.
Do not point at people
Never use asoko to refer to a person. It is dehumanizing and considered very rude in Japanese culture.
Politeness levels in pointing
In formal settings, prefer 'achira' over 'asoko'. Using 'achira' sounds more professional and respectful.
Examples
4 of 4あそこが私の家です。
That place over there is my house.
あちらの席へどうぞ。
Please go to that seat over there.
あそこ、おいしいよね。
That place is delicious, isn't it?
実験場所はあそこです。
The experiment site is over there.
Related Content
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
