位置
ichi[it͡ɕi]
The English word 'position' is translated into Japanese as 位置 (ichi).
位置 refers to a place or location. It is a term used to refer to a position and is more frequently employed in formal contexts. While it specifically denotes a precise point or coordinate, other words are used depending on whether you mean a job, a rank or a viewpoint.
Meaning: place, location (noun)
Which one should you use?
位置 is used when referring to a precise point or coordinate. In contrast, 場所 (basho) is the more common and general word for a 'place' or 'spot'. If you are discussing a person's position in different contexts, you might use other terms: 役職 for a job position or official title, 職位 for an occupational ranking or hierarchical position, ポスト (derived from the English 'post') for a formal position or 立場 to refer to a person's position or standpoint.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb form 位置する means 'to be located' or 'to be positioned' at a certain spot. Related verbs such as 配置する or 位置付ける can be used to mean 'to put into place'.
How do you pronounce it?
ichi
Did you know?
- In Japanese sports, particularly baseball, the word ポジション is used for a player's role on the field. Using 位置 in this context would sound like you are talking about the player's exact coordinates on the grass rather than their role.
- The term ポスト for a job position is a loanword, but it does not come from the English 'position'. Instead, it comes from the English 'post' as in a designated station or pillar.
- While 位置 describes a physical location, using it to describe a person's social or political 'position' can sound strangely mechanical, as if you are describing a chess piece or a geometric coordinate.
Examples in context
- 選手達はみな位置についていた。All the players were in position.This sentence shows the use of 位置 to describe players being in their spots.Tatoeba #141014 by bunbuku, translation #273558 by CK
- 彼の正位置はサードだ。His normal position is third baseman.This sentence uses 位置 to describe a specific role or station.Tatoeba #2233094 by JimBreen, translation #2233095 by JimBreen
- 彼は大使としてのポストを手に入れました。He obtained the position of ambassador.
- 彼女は私の立場を理解してくれます。She understands my position.
- 君の役職は何？What's your position?
- GPSで現在位置を確認する。GPS de genzai ichi o kakunin suru.Confirm the current position with GPS.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are looking at a map together.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔、今の私たちの位置はどこ？Hiroto, ima no watashitachi no ichi wa doko?Hiroto, where is our current position?
- 大翔 Hiroto地図で見ると、ここら辺だと思うよ。Chizu de miru to, kokora hen da to omou yo.Looking at the map, I think we are around here.
- 美咲 Misakiこの位置から駅まで歩けるかな？Kono ichi kara eki made arukeru kana?Can we walk to the station from this position?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、十分歩ける距離だよ。Un, juubun arukeru kyori da yo.Yeah, it's definitely within walking distance.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “position” translations and entries 位置, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
