Translation guide
The English word "location" can refer to a place, position, or setting. In Japanese, the most common and natural equivalent depends on the context: 場所 (basho) for general places, 位置 (ichi) for coordinates or relative position, and 所在地 (shozaichi) for formal addresses or registered locations. This guide helps you choose the right word.
Referring to a physical place where something is or happens, without emphasis on coordinates.
The most common and versatile word for 'place' or 'location'. Use it for everyday situations.
Let's decide on a meeting location.
ここはいい場所ですね。
This is a nice location, isn't it?
A more casual, often abstract 'place'. Can also mean 'point' or 'part'. Often used in set phrases.
痛いところはどこですか？
Where is the location of the pain?
Referring to the exact spot in terms of coordinates, on a map, or relative to other objects.
Used for geographical position, coordinates, or the relative placement of something.
GPSで現在位置を確認できます。
You can check your current location with GPS.
机の位置を変えましょう。
Let's change the location of the desk.
Often used for a specific point on a map or in a journey, like a landmark or waypoint.
Referring to the official address of a company, office, or institution.
The formal term for the location of a business or organization. Common on official documents.
会社の所在地を教えてください。
Please tell me the location of your company.
Means 'address'. Often used when 'location' implies a mailing or physical address.
Referring to where a movie, story, or event takes place.
Literally 'stage', but used metaphorically for the setting of a story or event.
この映画の舞台は東京です。
The location of this movie is Tokyo.
Short for 'location (shooting) site', used specifically for film or photo shoots.
あのドラマのロケ地に行ってみたい。
I want to visit the filming location of that drama.
Referring to where a file is stored or a website is hosted.
Even in digital contexts, 場所 is often used casually.
ファイルの保存場所を指定してください。
Please specify the save location for the file.
When 'location' means a web address, just use URL.
そのページのURLを教えて。
Tell me the location (URL) of that page.
場所 (basho) is a general 'place', while 位置 (ichi) is a specific 'position' or 'location' in terms of coordinates. Use 場所 for everyday places and 位置 when precision matters (maps, layouts, GPS).
The loanword ロケーション (rokeeshon) is mainly used in the film industry for 'shooting location'. In everyday Japanese, it sounds unnatural. Stick to 場所 or 位置.
The starting location is here.
Please enter the delivery location (address).