所 Place

Meaning

Primary

Place

Alternatives

Spot, Scene

Word Type

noun, suffix

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.

Wondering how 所 differs from 場所? While 場所 only refers to a physical location, 所 can be more abstract and refer to a place, a point in time, or a certain situation or condition. This is why 所 usually needs some extra context to clarify what kind of "place" you mean.

Reading

ところ

Explanation

Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with the kanji, so here's a mnemonic:

You find yourself in a strange place full of toe cologne (ところ). Bottles and bottles of toe cologne. Cologne for your toes, or toe-scented cologne? Either way, imagine the pungent smell. You don't know why a place like this exists, and you want to get out ASAP. This toe cologne place really isn't your scene.

Note: This can be shortened to とこ in casual speech, so don't be surprised if you see it in that form too.

Context

Common Word Combinations

• 〜所

  住む所

  place to live

  食べる所

  place to eat

  いい所

  a good place

Context Sentences

分からない所があれば、手を上げてください。

If there's a spot you don't understand, please raise your hand.

前回と同じ所で会いましょう。

See you at the same place as last time.

お母さんがスクワットをしている所に、友人が来てしまった。

My friend came over just as my mother was doing squats.

Kanji Composition

1. 所

   しょ Place