Translation guide
The English word 'place' covers a wide range of meanings, from a physical location to a role or position. This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
Referring to a specific spot, area, or location in space.
The most common and general word for a physical place or location. Can be used in almost any context.
This is a nice place, isn't it?
待ち合わせの場所を決めましょう。
Let's decide on a place to meet.
Often interchangeable with 場所, but can sound slightly more abstract or refer to a point in space. Also used in many set phrases.
ここが一番好きな所です。
This is my favorite place.
痛い所はどこですか。
Where is the place that hurts?
Refers to the actual place where something happens, like a crime scene, construction site, or workplace. Often used in news or business.
警察が現場に到着した。
The police arrived at the scene (place).
Referring to a job, status, or position in a group or society.
Refers to one's position, standpoint, or situation, often in a social or professional context.
彼の立場を考えてください。
Please consider his place (position).
私の立場では何も言えない。
In my place (position), I can't say anything.
Refers to a role, function, or part one plays in a group or activity.
Refers to social status, rank, or standing. More formal and often used in discussions of hierarchy.
彼は会社で高い地位にいる。
He holds a high place (position) in the company.
Referring to a seat, room, or available space for a person or thing.
Specifically means a seat or a place to sit. Also used for reservations.
席を予約しました。
I reserved a place (seat).
ここ、空いてる席ありますか？
Is there a free place (seat) here?
Loanword from English, used for physical space or room, often in a more abstract or design-oriented sense.
The action of putting or placing an object in a location.
The standard verb for putting or placing something somewhere. Transitive.
本を机の上に置いてください。
Please place the book on the desk.
Formal verb for installing or setting up equipment or facilities. Often used in technical or official contexts.
新しい機械を設置する。
To place (install) new machinery.
Referring to the rank or position achieved in a race or contest.
Refers to ranking or standing in a competition.
彼は3位の順位だった。
He was in third place.
Suffix used after numbers to indicate rank. More common in spoken Japanese.
1位になりたい。
I want to get first place.
Referring to someone's home or a place where they live.
Referring to a non-physical place, such as in one's heart, mind, or a situation.
Refers to a place where one belongs or feels at home, often emotionally. Common in phrases about finding one's place in the world.
ここが私の居場所だ。
This is my place (where I belong).
Means room or scope for something, often used in phrases like 'no place for doubt'.
疑う余地はない。
There is no place for doubt.
English 'place' is very broad. Do not assume 場所 (basho) works for all meanings. For example, 'place an order' is 注文する (chūmon suru), not 場所を置く.
Both mean 'place', but 場所 is more concrete and common. 所 is often used in set phrases (e.g., 所々 tokorodokoro 'here and there') and can sound slightly more abstract or literary.
チームでの自分の役割を知る。
Know your place (role) in the team.
駐車スペースはありますか？
Is there a parking place (space)?
Work from my place (home).