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What is the Kanji for "Place"?

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Place", you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for "Place" is "所".

This kanji has 2 readings:

Its kunyomi reading is "Tokoro".

Its onyomi reading is "Sho".

kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.

If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:

The kanji "戸" means "Door" and can be read as "Ko" and "To". And The kanji "斤" means "Axe" and "Catty" and can be read as "Kin".

Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.

What does the kanji "所" mean in japanese?

"所" means "Place" .

Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Third Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N3 exam.

Here are some words that use this kanji:

: "Place". The Japanese noun '所 (ところ)' primarily means 'place' or 'location'. It refers to a specific area or spot, either physical or abstract. It can also be used to indicate a point in time or a situation. For example: This is a quiet place「ここは静かな所です」(ここはしずかなところです). I went to a beautiful place「私は美しい所に行きました」(わたしはうつくしいところにいきました). Additionally, '所' can be used in expressions like '今の所 (いまのところ)', meaning 'for now' or 'at the moment', indicating a temporal context rather than a physical one.
場所: "Place". The Japanese noun '場所 (ばしょ)' means 'place'. It refers to a specific location or spot, and can be used in various contexts to indicate where something is or where an event occurs. For example: this is a quiet place「ここは静かな場所です」(ここはしずかなばしょです). I forgot the place where we met「私たちが会った場所を忘れました」(わたしたちがであったばしょをわすれました). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a position or role, such as in '彼には彼の場所がある (かれにはかれのばしょがある) (He has his place).'
便所: "Toilet". The Japanese noun '便所 (べんじょ)' refers to a 'toilet' or 'restroom'. It is a somewhat old-fashioned or blunt term, often used in casual or informal contexts. While it is still understood, it is less commonly used in modern Japanese compared to more polite terms like 'トイレ (といれ)' or 'お手洗い (おてあらい)'. Example sentences: Where is the toilet?「便所はどこですか?」(べんじょはどこですか?). The toilet is over there「便所はあそこです」(べんじょはあそこです). Note that this word can sometimes carry a slightly crude or humorous tone, so it is best used with caution in formal settings.
所為: "Fault". The Japanese noun '所為 (せい)' means 'fault' or 'cause'. It is often used to indicate the reason or cause of a negative outcome, typically implying blame or responsibility. For example: It's your fault that we lost「私たちが負けたのは君の所為だ」(わたしたちがまけたのはきみのせいだ). The rain is the reason we couldn't go「雨の所為で行けなかった」(あめのせいでいけなかった). Note that '所為' is often used in a negative context and can carry a nuance of blame or responsibility for an undesirable situation.
所有: "Ownership". The Japanese noun '所有 (しょゆう)' refers to the state or right of owning something. It is commonly used in legal, formal, or everyday contexts to describe possession or ownership of property, assets, or items. For example: The ownership of this land is unclear「この土地の所有は不明です」(このとちのしょゆうはふめいです). He transferred the ownership of the car to his son「彼は車の所有権を息子に譲りました」(かれはくるまのしょゆうけんをむすこにゆずりました). Note that '所有' often appears in compound words like '所有権 (しょゆうけん)' (ownership rights) or '所有物 (しょゆうぶつ)' (possessions).
事務所: "Office". The Japanese noun '事務所 (じむしょ)' refers to an 'office', a place where administrative or professional work is conducted. This term is commonly used to describe the physical location where business activities, such as paperwork, meetings, and other clerical tasks, are carried out. It can be used in various contexts, such as a law office, a real estate office, or a general business office. For example: I went to the office today「今日、事務所に行きました」(きょう、じむしょにいきました). The office is on the third floor「事務所は三階にあります」(じむしょはさんがいにあります). The word is neutral and can be applied to both small and large offices, regardless of the specific type of work being done.
所得: "Income". The Japanese noun '所得 (しょとく)' refers to 'income' or 'earnings'. It is commonly used in contexts related to finance, economics, and personal earnings. This term can refer to various types of income, such as salary, wages, or profits. For example: His income is high「彼の所得は高い」(かれのしょとくはたかい). The government taxes income「政府は所得に課税する」(せいふはしょとくにかぜいする). It is important to note that '所得' is often used in formal or official contexts, such as tax-related discussions or financial reports.
洗面所: "Washroom". The Japanese noun '洗面所 (せんめんじょ)' refers to a 'washroom' or 'bathroom sink area'. It is specifically used to describe the area where one washes their face, brushes their teeth, or performs other personal hygiene tasks. This term is commonly used in homes, hotels, and public facilities. For example: The washroom is on the first floor「洗面所は一階にあります」(せんめんじょはいっかいにあります). I left my toothbrush in the washroom「洗面所に歯ブラシを忘れました」(せんめんじょにはブラシをわすれました). Note that this term is distinct from 'トイレ (といれ)', which specifically refers to the toilet area.
停留所: "Stop". The Japanese noun '停留所 (ていりゅうじょ)' refers to a 'stop', specifically a bus stop or tram stop. It is commonly used in the context of public transportation to indicate where buses or trams halt to pick up or drop off passengers. For example: The bus stop is over there「バスの停留所はあそこです」(ばすのていりゅうじょはあそこです). I will wait at the tram stop「路面電車の停留所で待ちます」(ろめんでんしゃのていりゅうじょでまちます). This word is essential for navigating public transportation systems in Japan.
箇所: "Point" or "Place". The Japanese noun '箇所 (かしょ)' refers to a specific place, point, or location, often in a more abstract or formal context. It is commonly used to indicate a particular spot in a document, a physical location, or a specific part of something. For example: Please check this place in the document「この箇所を確認してください」(このかしょをかくにんしてください). There is a problem at this point「この箇所に問題があります」(このかしょにもんだいがあります). The word is often used in technical, formal, or written contexts, and it emphasizes precision in identifying a specific location or part.
近所: "Neighborhood". The Japanese noun '近所 (きんじょ)' refers to the area or vicinity near one's home or a specific location. It is commonly used to describe the surrounding area where people live, often implying familiarity and proximity. For example: I often see my neighbor in the neighborhood「近所でよく隣人を見かけます」(きんじょでよくりんじんをみかけます). The neighborhood is very quiet「近所はとても静かです」(きんじょはとてもしずかです). This word can also imply a sense of community or the people living nearby, as in '近所の人 (きんじょのひと) (neighbor/people in the neighborhood)'.
市役所: "City hall". The Japanese noun '市役所 (しやくしょ)' refers to a 'city hall' or 'municipal office'. This is the administrative center of a city where local government services are provided, such as issuing official documents, handling taxes, and managing public services. For example: I went to the city hall to register my address「市役所に住所を登録しに行きました」(しやくしょにじゅうしょをとうろくしにいきました). The city hall is located in the center of the city「市役所は市の中心にあります」(しやくしょはしのちゅうしんにあります). This term is commonly used in daily life when dealing with administrative tasks or local government matters.
区役所: "Ward office". The Japanese noun '区役所 (くやくしょ)' refers to a 'ward office', which is a local government office in Japan responsible for administrative services within a specific ward (区) of a city. These offices handle various municipal services such as residence registration, issuing certificates, and providing information on local events and regulations. For example: I went to the ward office to register my new address「新しい住所を登録するために区役所に行きました」(あたらしいじゅうしょをとうろくするためにくやくしょにいきました). The ward office is closed on weekends「区役所は週末に閉まっています」(くやくしょはしゅうまつにしまっています).
住所: "Address". The Japanese noun '住所 (じゅうしょ)' means 'address'. It refers to the specific location or place where someone lives or where a business is situated. This word is commonly used in formal and everyday contexts, such as filling out forms, giving directions, or providing contact information. For example: What is your address?「あなたの住所は何ですか?」(あなたのじゅうしょはなんですか?). Please write your address here「ここに住所を書いてください」(ここにじゅうしょをかいてください). The word is neutral and can be used in both written and spoken Japanese.
現住所: "Current address". The Japanese noun '現住所 (げんじゅうしょ)' refers to a person's current address or place of residence. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as filling out forms, official documents, or when providing personal information. For example: Please write your current address「現住所を書いてください」(げんじゅうしょをかいてください). My current address is Tokyo「私の現住所は東京です」(わたしのげんじゅうしょはとうきょうです). The term is often used in contrast to a previous address or temporary residence.
役所: "Government" or "Office". The Japanese noun '役所 (やくしょ)' refers to a government office or administrative building where official business is conducted. It is commonly used to describe local government offices, such as city halls or municipal offices, where services like issuing documents, handling taxes, or providing public information are carried out. For example: I went to the city office to submit documents「役所に書類を提出しに行きました」(やくしょにしょるいをていしゅつにいきました). The government office is closed on weekends「役所は週末に閉まっています」(やくしょはしゅうまつにしまっています). Note that while '役所' often refers to local government offices, it can also broadly refer to any government administrative body.
所属: "Affiliation". The Japanese verbal noun '所属 (しょぞく)' refers to the state of belonging to or being affiliated with a group, organization, or institution. It is commonly used in contexts such as workplaces, schools, clubs, or any formal group. For example: He has an affiliation with a famous university「彼は有名な大学に所属している」(かれはゆうめいなだいがくにしょぞくしている). She belongs to the marketing department「彼女はマーケティング部門に所属している」(かのじょはマーケティングぶもんにしょぞくしている). The word emphasizes the formal or official nature of the relationship between the individual and the group.
台所: "Kitchen". The Japanese noun '台所 (だいどころ)' refers to a 'kitchen', the room or area where food is prepared and cooked. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe the space in a home or restaurant where cooking takes place. For example: The kitchen is clean「台所はきれいです」(だいどころはきれいです). I am cooking in the kitchen「台所で料理をしています」(だいどころでりょうりをしています). The word can also imply the financial situation of a household, as in '家の台所 (いえのだいどころ)' meaning 'household finances', though this usage is less common in modern conversation.
裁判所: "Court". The Japanese noun '裁判所 (さいばんしょ)' refers to a 'court', specifically a judicial institution where legal cases are heard and decided. This term is commonly used in legal contexts and can refer to various types of courts, such as district courts, high courts, or the Supreme Court. For example: The case was brought to court「その事件は裁判所に持ち込まれた」(そのじけんはさいばんしょにもちこまれた). The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff「裁判所は原告に有利な判決を下した」(さいばんしょはげんこくにゆうりなはんけつをくだした). It's important to note that '裁判所' is a formal term and is used in both written and spoken Japanese when discussing legal matters.
至る所: "Everywhere". The Japanese noun '至る所 (いたるところ)' means 'everywhere'. It is used to describe a situation or condition that is present in all places or locations. This word is often used to emphasize the widespread nature of something. For example: There are flowers everywhere「至る所に花がある」(いたるところにはながある). Problems are everywhere「至る所に問題がある」(いたるところにもんだいがある). The word can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as 'everywhere in the world'「世界の至る所」(せかいのいたるところ).
刑務所: "Prison". The Japanese noun '刑務所 (けいむしょ)' refers to a 'prison' or 'penitentiary', a facility where individuals convicted of crimes are incarcerated. This term is specifically used for institutions that house individuals serving sentences for criminal offenses. It is a formal term and is commonly used in legal and official contexts. For example: He was sent to prison「彼は刑務所に送られた」(かれはけいむしょにおくられた). The prison is located outside the city「その刑務所は市の外にあります」(そのけいむしょはしのそとにあります). Note that '刑務所' is distinct from other terms like '拘置所 (こうちしょ)', which refers to a detention center for individuals awaiting trial.
所在: "Location". The Japanese noun '所在 (しょざい)' primarily means 'location' or 'whereabouts'. It refers to the place where someone or something is situated. This word is often used in formal or written contexts to indicate the position or existence of something. For example: The location of the treasure is unknown「宝の所在は不明だ」(たからのしょざいはふめいだ). I don't know his current whereabouts「彼の現在の所在はわからない」(かれのげんざいのしょざいはわからない). Additionally, '所在' can sometimes imply a sense of responsibility or duty, as in 'a sense of purpose' or 'where one's duty lies', though this usage is less common.
余所: "Elsewhere". The Japanese noun '余所 (よそ)' primarily means 'elsewhere' or 'another place'. It is used to refer to a place that is not here, often implying a sense of distance or separation. This word can also carry a nuance of something being outside one's immediate concern or awareness. For example: I heard it from elsewhere「それを余所で聞きました」(それをよそでききました). He is always thinking about elsewhere「彼はいつも余所のことを考えている」(かれはいつもよそのことをかんがえている). Additionally, '余所' can sometimes imply a sense of detachment or indifference, as in '余所事 (よそごと)', meaning 'someone else's affair'.
長所: "Strength". The Japanese noun '長所 (ちょうしょ)' means 'strength' or 'strong point'. It refers to a positive quality or advantage that someone or something possesses. This word is often used in contexts where discussing personal traits, skills, or characteristics of objects. For example: His strength is his kindness「彼の長所は優しさです」(かれのちょうしょはやさしさです). One of the strengths of this product is its durability「この製品の長所の一つは耐久性です」(このせいひんのちょうしょのひとつはたいきゅうせいです). It is commonly used in self-introductions, evaluations, or when giving compliments.
短所: "Weakness". The Japanese noun '短所 (たんしょ)' means 'weakness' or 'shortcoming'. It refers to a negative aspect or flaw in a person, object, or situation. This term is often used in self-reflection, evaluations, or discussions about improvement. For example: Everyone has weaknesses「誰にでも短所がある」(だれにでもたんしょがある). His weakness is impatience「彼の短所はせっかちなことだ」(かれのたんしょはせっかちなことだ). It is commonly paired with its opposite, '長所 (ちょうしょ)', meaning 'strength' or 'merit', to provide a balanced perspective.
所々: "Parts" or "Spots". The Japanese noun '所々 (ところどころ)' refers to various spots or parts of something, often implying that these spots or parts are scattered or not continuous. It can be used to describe physical locations, as well as abstract concepts like ideas or stories. For example: There are spots of snow on the ground「地面に所々雪がある」(じめんにところどころゆきがある). The story has parts that are hard to understand「その話は所々わかりにくい」(そのはなしはところどころわかりにくい). This word is often used to indicate that something is not uniform or consistent throughout.
名所: "Famous place". The Japanese noun '名所 (めいしょ)' refers to a 'famous place' or 'notable spot', typically one that is well-known for its scenic beauty, historical significance, or cultural importance. It is often used in the context of tourism or travel. For example: Kyoto is full of famous places「京都には名所がたくさんある」(きょうとにはめいしょがたくさんある). We visited a famous place in Nara「奈良の名所を訪れました」(ならのめいしょをおとずれました). The term can also be used to describe landmarks or attractions within a city or region.
発電所: "Power plant". The Japanese noun '発電所 (はつでんしょ)' refers to a 'power plant' or 'power station', a facility where electricity is generated. This term is commonly used in discussions about energy production, including various types of power plants such as nuclear, hydroelectric, and thermal. For example: The power plant supplies electricity to the city「発電所は都市に電気を供給する」(はつでんしょはとしにでんきをきょうきゅうする). They are building a new power plant near the river「彼らは川の近くに新しい発電所を建設している」(かれらはかわのちかくにあたらしいはつでんしょをけんせつしている).
派出所: "Police box". The Japanese noun '派出所 (はしゅつじょ)' refers to a small local police station or police box, commonly found in neighborhoods across Japan. These are used for community policing, providing assistance, and handling minor incidents. They are often staffed by one or a few officers and serve as a point of contact for residents. Example sentences: There is a police box near the station「駅の近くに派出所があります」(えきのちかくにはしゅつじょがあります). I asked for directions at the police box「派出所で道を聞きました」(はしゅつじょでみちをききました).

To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.

But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.

This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:

The hiragana "し" is read as "shi". The hiragana "と" is read as "to". The hiragana "こ" is read as "ko". And The hiragana "ろ" is read as "ro".

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