9.5 Demonstrative Pronouns: ここ (koko), そこ (soko), あそこ (asoko) and どこ (doko)
This module introduces the final set of demonstrative pronouns indicating proximity and location: ここ (koko), そこ (soko), あそこ (asoko) and どこ (doko).
Introduction to ここ, そこ, あそこ and どこ
We learned how to refer to objects or people using the demonstrative pronouns これ (kore: this [one]), それ (sore: that [one]), あれ (are: that [one over there]) and どれ (dore: which [one]) in Module 4.2, as well as their respective modifiers この (kono: this [+ noun]), その (sono: that [+ noun]), あの (ano: that [+ noun over there]) and どの (dono: which [+ noun]) in Module 9.4.
Building on this foundation, in this module, we complete our study of demonstrative pronouns by introducing ここ (koko: here), そこ (soko: there), あそこ (asoko: over there) and どこ (doko: where), which indicate location:
- ここ (koko): This means ‘here‘, indicating a location close to the speaker.
- そこ (soko): This means ‘there‘, indicating a location near the listener.
- あそこ (asoko): This means ‘over there‘, indicating a location away from both the speaker and the listener.
- どこ (doko): This means ‘where‘ and is used to ask about the location of something or someone.
These pronouns are crucial for spatial orientation and are often paired with other words or particles to specify locations precisely in conversation.
Usage in sentences
These demonstrative pronouns can function with appropriate particles as topics, objects and modifiers in sentences to ask about and indicate the location of something or someone. Here are some example sentences:
ここ
ここにコンビニ（こんびに）があります。
Koko ni konbini ga ari masu.
There’s a convenience store here.
そこ
そこは私（わたし）たちの駅（えき）ですね。
Soko wa watashi-tachi no eki desu ne.
That [i.e. That place there] is our station, isn’t it?
あそこ
あそこの温泉（おんせん）はとてもいいです。
Asoko no onsen wa totemo ii desu.
The hot spring over there is very nice.
NOTE: Here, あそこ serves as a demonstrative pronoun modifying the noun 温泉.
どこ
ホテル（ほてる）はどこですか。
Hoteru wa doko desu ka.
Where is the hotel?
More formal versions of ここ, そこ, あそこ and どこ
A more formal set of demonstrative pronouns—こちら (kochira), そちら (sochira), あちら (achira) and どちら (dochira)—have similar meanings to ここ (koko), そこ (soko), あそこ (asoko), and どこ (doko) but are used in more polite or professional contexts.
While beginners may not need these immediately, familiarity with them is useful, especially in hospitality, business and other professional settings. They are frequently used in respectful communication between staff and customers in shops, restaurants and hotels.
Polite demonstrative pronouns:
- こちら (kochira): The polite equivalent of ここ, used to indicate ‘here‘ in a respectful manner.
- そちら (sochira): The polite equivalent of そこ, used to indicate ‘the place near you‘ politely.
- あちら (achira): The polite equivalent of あそこ, used to indicate ‘over there‘ in a respectful way.
- どちら (dochira): The polite equivalent of どこ, used to ask ‘where‘ politely.
Usage in sentences
Here are practical examples:
こちら
こちらはメニュー（めにゅう）です。
Kochira wa menyuu desu.
Here is a menu.
そちら
そちらのカフェ（かふぇ）はおすすめです。
Sochira no kafe wa osusume desu.
I recommend the café there. (Literally, ‘The cafe there is recommended.’)
あちら
あちらにトイレ（といれ）があります。
Achira ni toire ga ari masu.
There is a restroom over there.
どちら
ご出身（しゅっしん）はどちらですか。
Goshusshin wa dochira desu ka.
Where is your hometown/country?
NOTE: These terms are often used to refer to individuals. For example, when introducing someone respectfully, you would say: こちらは X さんです: Kochira wa X-san desu: This is X.
Exercise 1
