そこ
soko[so̞ko̞]
The English phrase "right there" can be translated into Japanese as そこ (soko).
そこ is used to point to a specific location that is near the listener. If you want to emphasize that the location is "right" there, meaning it is immediately adjacent or very close, you can say すぐそこ.
Which one should you use?
While そこ refers to a location near the listener, あそこ is used to refer to a location that is far away from both the speaker and the listener. Additionally, if you want to emphasize that a place is very close, you can use the phrase すぐそこ.
How do you pronounce it?
soko
Did you know?
- In Japanese, pointing with your finger is often considered rude or aggressive. Instead of using a finger to indicate そこ, people often use an open hand with the palm facing upward to gesture toward the location.
- The phrase そこまで can be used as a sharp command to tell someone to 'stop right there' or 'that is quite enough'. It is a common trope in Japanese drama to halt someone's excessive behavior or speech.
- The term そこ can be used metaphorically in Japanese to mean 'that is the point' or 'that is the crux of the matter'. This allows it to function in an argument rather than just a physical map.
Examples in context
- そこを右に曲がって。Turn right there.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use そこ when giving directions.Tatoeba #213566 by small_snow, translation #50853 by CM
- すぐそこで待ってて。Wait right there.This sentence shows how to use そこ when asking someone to wait in a specific spot.Tatoeba #3366798 by arnab, translation #2253858 by CK
- トムはすぐそこにいるよ。Tom is right there.This sentence demonstrates using そこ to indicate a person's location.Tatoeba #2242024 by bunbuku, translation #1868168 by CK
- バス停はそこです。The bus stop is right there.
- そこに座ってください。Please sit right there.
- スーパーマーケットはあそこです。The supermarket is right there.
- トイレはそちらです。The restroom is right there.
- そちらでお待ちいただけますか。Could you please wait right there?
- 会議室はあちらです。The meeting room is right there.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui is helping Kenta find a dropped pen on the floor.
- 結衣 Yuiペン、どこにある？Pen, doko ni aru?Where is the pen?
- 健太 Kentaわからない。見つからないよ。Wakaranai. Mitsukaranai yo.I don't know. I can't find it.
- 結衣 Yui見て、そこにあるよ！Mite, soko ni aru yo!Look, it's right there!
- 健太 Kentaあ、本当だ。ありがとう。A, hontō da. Arigatō.Oh, you're right. Thanks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry そこ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
