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Japanese dictionary

How to say "where" in Japanese

どこ · doko

"Where" in Japanese is どこ (doko). The polite form is どちら (dochira).

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Ways to say "where" in Japanese

JapaneseWhen to use it
どこ · dokoWhere.
どちら · dochiraWhere (polite); which way.
〜ところ · tokoroWhere; the place (that).

How to use it

"Where is the station?" is 駅はどこですか.

"Where are you from?" politely is どちらからいらっしゃいましたか.

Example sentences

Questions

What is the difference between どこ and どちら?

Both mean where. どちら (dochira) is more polite and is used with customers and people senior to you.

How do you ask where someone is from politely?

Ask どちらからいらっしゃいましたか (dochira kara irasshaimashita ka).

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