どこにありますか
doko ni arimasu ka
In Japanese, "where can I find" is expressed as どこにありますか (doko ni arimasu ka).
This phrase is used to ask for the location of a specific object or place.
What does it mean word for word?
The word どこ means "where".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form どこにありますか is the polite standard. It is suitable for use when speaking to strangers, staff in a shop or teachers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb あります (arimasu) is used only for inanimate objects, such as buildings, items or places. It is not used for people or animals.
How do you pronounce it?
doko ni arimasu ka
Did you know?
- If you are looking for a person rather than an object, you must replace ありますか with いますか. Using ありますか for a human would treat them like a piece of furniture.
- In very formal settings, such as a luxury hotel, staff will avoid どこ and instead use どちら, which is a more respectful way to ask 'which direction'.
- If you ask a staff member using this phrase, they will often respond by pointing rather than giving a verbal direction. In Japanese culture, a subtle gesture or a direction indicated by a hand movement is a standard and polite part of a verbal reply.
Examples in context
- 郵便局はどこにありますか。Where can I find the post office?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the post office using どこにありますか.Tatoeba #79170 by bunbuku, translation #324547 by CK
- 歯磨き粉はどこにありますか？Where can I find toothpaste?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of toothpaste using どこにありますか.Tatoeba #468277 by Namikaze, translation #263640 by CK
- 両替所はどこにありますか。Where can I find a place to change money?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of a place to change money using どこにありますか.Tatoeba #77980 by mookeee, translation #325738 by CK
Example conversation
Ren is asking Himari for directions to a nearby pharmacy.
- 蓮 Renすみません、薬局はどこにありますか。sumimasen, yakkyoku wa doko ni arimasu ka.Excuse me, where can I find a pharmacy?
- 陽葵 Himariあそこですよ。あちらにあります。asoko desu yo. achira ni arimasu.It is over there. It is located that way.
- 蓮 Renありがとうございます。助かりました。arigatou gozaimasu. tasukarimashita.Thank you. That was very helpful.
- 陽葵 Himariいいえ、どういたしまして。iie, dou itashimashite.No, you're welcome.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
