Ko-So-A-Do
The ko-so-a-do may seem difficult to grasp, but they are very regular. Learning them early on will definitely help with your progress.
The key is to understand the three positions:
- Near the speaker [the "k" words]
- Near the listener [the "s" words]
- Away from both [the "a" words]
The fourth, "d" words," are the question words.
こちら/そちら/あちら/どちら
ABOUT:
The last form of こそあど that we'll look at points out a direction. This way, that way, that way over there, and which way?
■ Form: Standalone words to show direction.
こちら | This way |
そちら | That way |
あちら | That way over there |
どちら |
Which way? |
A less formal way of saying these are:
こっち、そっち、あっち、どっち
Examples:
こちらへどうぞ。
Please go this way.
そちらへ行きます。
I will go to you (that way toward you).
トイレは、あちらにあります。
There is a bathroom over there. (Away from both speakers)
ご出身は、どちらですか？
Where are you from?
[Literally, your origin-which way-is it?]
