そこ
There, That place
Structure
Place near the listener, Previously mentioned place
Explanation
そこ belongs to the それ group of words, which are used for things near the listener. While それ points to an object, そこ points to a location. It translates to 'that place' or 'there', referring to a spot close to the person you're addressing.
- そこの店は静かです。That restaurant is quiet. (The restaurant at that place)
- 彼のそこがすごい。That's what's amazing about him. (That particular aspect of him)
Just as それ can refer back to a topic that has already been brought up in conversation, そこ can refer back to a location that has just been mentioned.
- そこは遠い？Is it far? (That place we were just talking about)
Caution
Be careful not to mix up そこ with そっち. While both can mean 'there', そっち refers to a general direction or area, whereas そこ points to a more specific spot or location.
- そっちです。It's that way. (Focus on the direction)
- そこに座って。Sit right there. (Focused on the place)
Examples
そこが涼しい。
That place is cool.
そこの猫。
That cat there.
きっと、そこ。
Definitely, there.
そこのカフェは安いです。
The cafe over there is cheap.
こことそこも暗い。
It's dark here and there too.
そこは、寒いですか。
Is it cold there?
そこは、台所です。
That place is the kitchen.
そこも会議室です。
That place is also a meeting room.
そこは、静かですよ。
It's quiet there.
そこも人が多い。
There are a lot of people there too.
そこは、図書館。
Over there is the library.