JLPT N5 grammar
こそあど (ko-so-a-do) — Meaning & Examples
The Japanese system of demonstratives based on distance: こ (near speaker), そ (near listener), あ (far from both), ど (question). これ/それ/あれ/どれ = this/that/that over there/which.
Practice questions
Try this question on こそあど (ko-so-a-do). Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. あそこ (asoko) means:
- Here (where I am)
- Over there (far from both)
- There (near you)
- Where?
Show answer
Answer: Over there (far from both)
The こそあど system: ここ (here/near speaker), そこ (there/near listener), あそこ (over there/far from both), どこ (where?). あそこ is used for places visible but distant from both speakers. The same pattern: これ/それ/あれ/どれ for things; この/その/あの/どの for noun modifiers.
Practise こそあど (ko-so-a-do) in the free app
This point is part of the “Sentence Structure and です” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N5 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N5 grammar points
From the same lesson: Sentence Structure and です
Frequently asked questions
What does こそあど (ko-so-a-do) mean?
The Japanese system of demonstratives based on distance: こ (near speaker), そ (near listener), あ (far from both), ど (question). これ/それ/あれ/どれ = this/that/that over there/which.
Is こそあど (ko-so-a-do) on the JLPT N5 test?
こそあど (ko-so-a-do) is taught in the JLPT N5 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “Sentence Structure and です”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise こそあど (ko-so-a-do)?
Open the “Sentence Structure and です” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N5 mock exams, with no ads.