ここ
koko[ko̞ko̞]
The Japanese word for "here" is ここ (koko). Wiktionary also lists ここに (koko ni) and ここで (koko de).
Meaning: in, on, or at this place (adv)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ここ | koko | [ko̞ko̞] (narrow) |
| ここに | koko ni | |
| ここで | koko de |
The word ここ refers to the immediate place where the speaker is located. Depending on the context, it can mean "here", "at/to here" or "in here".
Which one should you use?
While ここ can function as a subject or a topic (meaning "here is" or "as for here"), the forms ここに and ここで are used to specify a particular spatial relationship to the location.
How does it change in a sentence?
ここで is used to indicate the location where an action takes place, such as "to eat" or "to study". Additionally, この辺 can be used to mean "around here".
How do you pronounce it?
koko
Did you know?
- Japanese uses a three-part system for location: ここ for 'here', そこ for 'there' (near the listener) and あそこ for 'over there' (far from both).
- In very formal or humble speech, a speaker might replace ここ with こちら to avoid sounding too blunt or direct.
- When pointing to a location on a map or a diagram, Japanese speakers often use ここ even if the location is physically far away, because it is 'here' within the context of the representation.
Examples in context
- ここが痛い。I have a pain here.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific location of pain with ここ.Tatoeba #224715 by bunbuku, translation #62049 by CK
- ここ寒いね。It's cold here.This sentence is useful for describing the temperature of a location with ここ.Tatoeba #10614394 by small_snow, translation #2915041 by AlanF_US
- ここは痛い？Does it hurt here?This sentence is useful for asking if a location is painful with ここ.Tatoeba #11310744 by small_snow, translation #4609578 by Hybrid
- こちらにご案内いたします。I will guide you here.
- 申し込みは、ここでお願いします。Please submit your application here.
- こちら側にお座りください。Please have a seat on this side.
- こっちで待ってるよ。I'm waiting here.
- ええと、ここに困っている人がいます。Um, there's someone in trouble here.
- 2017 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are looking for a place to sit in a cafe.
- 美咲 Misakiここ、空いてるよ。Koko, aiteru yo.This place is empty.
- 陽太 Yota本当？ここにする？Hontou? Koko ni suru?Really? Shall we sit here?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、ここがいい。Un, koko ga ii.Yeah, here is good.
- 陽太 Yotaわかった、ここに座ろう。Wakatta, koko ni suwarou.Got it, let's sit here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “here” translations and entries ここ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
