ここ

Alternative writings: 此処, 此所, , ,
JLPT:N5
Frequency:
1

Here; this place (near the speaker).

PronounUsually Kana

Examples

ここが私の部屋です。

This is my room.

ここに座ってください。

Please sit here.

その箱はここに置いておいて。

Leave that box here.

2

At this point / now — referring to the current moment or situation.

PronounUsually Kana

Examples

ここで重要なのは準備です。

What matters here is preparation.

ここが問題の核心だ。

This is the core of the problem.

ここはもう諦めるしかないと思う。

I think at this point we just have to give up.

3

Used before a duration to mean 'these past ...' (e.g. ここ三年 = the past three years).

PronounUsually Kana

Examples

ここ三年で会社の方針が大きく変わった。

The company's policy has changed a lot over the past three years.

ここ数ヶ月は忙しくて休めなかった。

I was busy and couldn't rest for the past few months.

4

Used before a duration to mean 'the coming/next ...' or 'these next ...' (e.g. ここ一週間 = for the next week).

PronounUsually Kana

Examples

ここ一週間は出張が続きます。

I'll be on business trips for the next week.

ここ数日、天気が崩れるそうだ。

The weather is supposed to be bad for the next few days.