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 "Loaf", "Loaves", "Bread loaf counter", and "Axe" 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:

所: "Place". The Japanese noun '所 (ところ)' means 'place'. This word is used to refer to a specific location or spot. It can be used to describe a physical location, as well as more abstract or conceptual places. For example: This is a good place to take a rest - (これは休憩するところがいいです). I go to the library every day - (私は毎日図書館に行きます).

場所: "Place". The Japanese noun '場所 (ばしょ)' means 'place'. This word is used to refer to a specific location, spot, or area. It can be used to describe a physical location, such as a room, building, or city, as well as an abstract or conceptual location, such as a position or status. For example: Where is the best place to eat? - (最高の場所はどこですか). This place is really nice - (この場所はとてもきれいです).

便所: "Restroom". The Japanese noun '便所 (べんじょ)' refers to a restroom or bathroom. This word is commonly used to refer to a public bathroom or toilet facility. It can be used to describe both western-style flush toilets as well as traditional Japanese squat toilets. This word has a somewhat formal or technical nuance compared to more casual words like トイレ. Example sentences: Where is the restroom? - (便所はどこですか). I need to use the restroom. - (便所に行かなければなりません).

所為: "Reason". The noun '所為 (せい)' means 'reason'. It refers to the cause, motive or explanation for something. This word is often used to express the reason or rationale behind someone's actions or a particular outcome. For example: It's not my fault, it's my brother's doing - (それは私のせいではなく、私の兄弟のせいです). The reason for his failure was his lack of preparation - (彼の失敗のせいは、準備不足でした).

所有: "Possession". The noun '所有 (しょゆう)' means 'possession'. It refers to the act of having or owning something, or the state of being the owner of something. '所有' can be used to describe both physical objects and non-tangible things like rights or ideas. For example: My possession - (私の所有物). The possession of land - (土地の所有).

事務所: "Office". The Japanese noun '事務所 (じむしょ)' refers to an office or a place where administrative or clerical work is carried out. It can be used to describe the physical location of a company or organization, as well as the people who work there. For example: I work in an office - (私は事務所で働いています). The company's office is located downtown - (会社の事務所はダウンタウンにあります).

所得: "Income". The Japanese noun '所得 (しょとく)' means 'income'. This word refers to the total amount of money a person or household earns, usually over the course of a year, from various sources such as employment, investments, or other economic activities. '所得' is a commonly used term in discussions about taxation, personal finance, and economic policy. For example: My annual income is 50,000 yen - (私の年収は50,000円です). High income earners pay more taxes - (高所得者は多くの税金を払います).

洗面所: "Bathroom" or "Washroom". The Japanese word '洗面所 (せんめんじょ)' refers to a bathroom or washroom. It is a room or area designated for personal cleaning and hygiene, typically containing a sink, mirror, and other sanitary facilities. This word is commonly used to describe the room in a house or building where one can wash their face, brush their teeth, or perform other grooming activities. For example: I need to go to the washroom - (洗面所に行く必要がある). Let's meet in the bathroom - (洗面所で会いましょう).

停留所: "Stop". The noun '停留所 (ていりゅうじょ)' refers to a designated place, usually marked by a sign or shelter, where vehicles (such as buses or trains) stop to pick up and drop off passengers. This word is commonly used to describe the specific locations along a transportation route where people can board or alight from the vehicle. For example: The bus stop is right around the corner - (バス停留所はすぐ近くです). Please wait for me at the bus stop - (バス停留所で待っていてください).

箇所: "Location". The Japanese noun '箇所 (かしょ)' means 'location'. This noun is used to refer to a specific or particular place or spot. It is often used in formal or academic contexts to denote a specific point, site, or place within a larger area or document. For example: Several locations were mentioned in the report - (レポートの中で数か所が言及された). Please check the relevant locations - (該当する箇所を確認してください).

近所: "Neighborhood". The Japanese noun '近所 (きんじょ)' refers to the area or district around one's home or place of residence. It indicates the immediate environment or locality in close proximity to where someone lives. This word is commonly used when discussing one's local community, nearby shops/facilities, or interactions with neighbors. For example: My neighborhood has a lot of old people - (私の近所には高齢者が多い). Let's go for a walk around the neighborhood - (近所を散歩しましょう).

市役所: "City hall". The Japanese noun '市役所 (しやくしょ)' refers to a city government office or city hall. This is the main administrative building where local government offices and services are located in a city. It is where citizens can go to interact with the local government, pay taxes, apply for permits, and access other municipal services. For example: I went to city hall to apply for a business license - (私は事業許可を申請するために市役所に行きました).

区役所: "City hall". The Japanese noun '区役所 (くやくしょ)' refers to a city hall or local government office. It is the administrative center for a local city district or ward. City halls are responsible for providing various public services to residents, such as issuing official documents, registering residents, and handling community affairs. For example: Let's go to the city hall to apply for a residence certificate - (区役所に行って住民票を申請しましょう). I need to go to the city hall to pay my taxes - (税金を払うために区役所に行かなければなりません).

住所: "Address". The Japanese noun '住所 (じゅうしょ)' means 'address'. This word refers to the location where a person, business, or organization is based, including the specific details such as street name, building number, city, and postal code. It is commonly used when providing information about where someone lives or where a certain place is located. For example: What is your address? - (あなたの住所は何ですか?). My address is 123 Main Street. - (私の住所は123メインストリートです。)

現住所: "Current address". The Japanese noun '現住所 (げんじゅうしょ)' means 'current address'. This refers to the address where a person is currently residing or living at the present time. It is commonly used when providing or inquiring about a person's latest address information. For example: I have moved to a new current address - (私は新しい現住所に引っ越しました)

役所: "Office". The Japanese noun '役所 (やくしょ)' means 'office'. This word refers to a government or administrative office, such as a city hall, post office, or tax office. It is commonly used to describe places where people go to handle official paperwork and business with the government. For example: I need to go to the office to get my driver's license - (免許証を取るために役所に行かなければなりません). The city office is where you can pay your taxes - (税金を払うところは役所です).

所属: "Belong". The Japanese verbal noun '所属 (しょぞく)' means 'to belong'. This term is used to describe the relationship between a person or thing and the group, organization, or place that they are a part of. It indicates that something is included, associated with, or affiliated with a particular entity. For example: I belong to the tennis club - (私はテニスクラブに所属しています). She belongs to the company - (彼女はその会社に所属しています).

台所: "Kitchen". 台所 (だいどころ)' is the Japanese word for 'kitchen'. It refers to the room or area in a house or building where food is prepared and cooked. The kitchen is an important part of the home and is usually equipped with appliances, cooking utensils, and other tools necessary for meal preparation. Some example sentences: She is cooking dinner in the kitchen - (彼女は台所で夕食を作っている). The kitchen is the heart of the home - (台所は家の中心部である).

裁判所: "Court". The Japanese word '裁判所 (さいばんしょ)' means 'court'. This noun refers to an official institution where legal trials and hearings take place. Courts are responsible for administering justice and interpreting and applying the law. For example: I went to the court for the trial - (私は裁判のために裁判所に行きました). The defendant appeared in court - (被告人は裁判所に出頭しました).

至る所: "Everywhere" or "All over". The noun '至る所 (いたるところ)' means 'everywhere' or 'all over'. It is used to describe a situation or location that is widespread or encompassing. For example: The flowers are blooming everywhere - (花が至る所に咲いている). The city is decorated for the festival all over - (街はお祭りで至る所飾られている).

刑務所: "Prison". The Japanese noun '刑務所 (けいむしょ)' refers to a correctional facility or prison where individuals who have committed crimes are incarcerated. This institution is designed to house and rehabilitate offenders, providing them with basic necessities, educational programs, and opportunities for rehabilitation. It is a highly regulated environment focused on punishment, reform, and social reintegration. For example: He was sent to prison for robbery - (彼は強盗の罪で刑務所に送られた).

所在: "Location". The noun '所在 (しょざい)' means 'location'. It refers to the place where something or someone is situated or located. This word is often used in formal contexts, such as when discussing the whereabouts or position of a person or object. For example: The location of the meeting is still unknown - (会議の所在はまだ不明だ). The company's location is in Tokyo - (その会社の所在地は東京にある).

余所: "Another place". The noun '余所 (よそ)' means 'another place'. It refers to a location or area that is different from the current one. It can be used to indicate somewhere else, a different place, or a place that is not your own. For example: Let's go to another place - (余所に行きましょう). I'm going to another place tomorrow - (明日、余所に行きます).

長所: "Strength". The Japanese word '長所 (ちょうしょ)' refers to a person's strength, positive attribute, or advantageous quality. It is often used in the context of evaluating someone's skills, abilities, or character. For example: His kindness is one of his strengths - (彼の優しさが彼の長所の一つです). The company's long history is a major strength - (この会社の長い歴史はその大きな長所である).

短所: "Flaw" or "Weakness". The Japanese noun '短所 (たんしょ)' means 'flaw' or 'weakness'. It refers to a defect, imperfection or shortcoming in a person, object or situation. It is often used to acknowledge or discuss the limitations or negative aspects of something. For example: Her flaws make her more human - (彼女の短所はより人間らしくさせる). He is aware of his weaknesses - (彼は自分の短所を認識している).

所々: "Some places" or "Here and there". The noun '所々 (ところどころ)' means 'some places' or 'here and there'. This word is used to indicate that something is scattered or distributed in various locations, rather than concentrated in one area. It conveys a sense of something being spread out or intermittent. For example: There were some flowers here and there in the garden - (庭には所々花が咲いていた). The snow was in some places on the mountain - (山には所々雪が残っていた).

名所: "Famous place". The Japanese noun '名所 (めいしょ)' means 'famous place'. This word refers to a location or landmark that is widely known and recognized, often attracting many visitors. '名所' can describe both natural and man-made attractions, such as historical sites, scenic landscapes, or popular tourist destinations. For example: She visited many famous places during her trip - (彼女は旅行中たくさんの名所を訪れた). This temple is a famous place in our city - (この寺院は市内の名所です).

発電所: "Power plant". The Japanese noun '発電所 (はつでんしょ)' refers to a power plant, a facility that generates electrical power. Power plants can use various energy sources such as fossil fuels, nuclear energy, or renewable sources like hydroelectric, solar, or wind power to produce electricity. For example: The new power plant will provide electricity to the whole city - (新しい発電所が街全体に電気を供給する).

派出所: "Police station". 派出所 (はしゅつじょ)' is a Japanese noun that refers to a local police station or police outpost. These small police stations are commonly found throughout Japan, and serve as a local hub for police services and operations. They play an important role in maintaining public safety and order within a community. For example: I will go to the police station to report the incident - (事件を報告するため、派出所に行きます).

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".

Heres a quick tutorial on how to use it. You'll be asked three type of questions: meaning, reading, and writing.

For meanings questions all you have to do is type the english meaning. If there is more than one meaning, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Reading questions you have to type the reading in romaji (roman letters, our normal alphabet) and it'll be automatically converted to hiragana if necessary. If there is more than one reading, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Writing questions some options will appear and all you have to do is select the correct ones.