こちら

Alternative writings: 此方, こっち
JLPT:N5
Frequency:
1

This way; this direction — referring to the side or direction close to the speaker.

PronounUsually Kana

Examples

こちらへどうぞ。

This way, please.

こちらの道をまっすぐ行ってください。

Please go straight along this road.

荷物はこちらの出口から出してください。

Please have luggage come out through this exit.

2

Here — indicating a place close to the speaker.

PronounUsually Kana

Examples

荷物はこちらに置いてください。

Please put the luggage here.

会議は第一会議室、こちらで行います。

The meeting will be held here in Meeting Room 1.

こちらはちょっと手狭です。

This place is a bit cramped.

3

This (one) — referring to something close to the speaker or a choice near the speaker.

PronounUsually Kana

Examples

どちらがいいですか。— こちらにします。

Which do you prefer? — I'll take this one.

この中では、こちらの方が人気があります。

Among these, this one is more popular.

こちらは新品、あちらは中古です。

This one is new; that one over there is used.

4

I / we — a polite way to refer to oneself or one's group (commonly used in introductions and business contexts).

PronounUsually Kana

Examples

こちらは営業部の佐藤です。

I am Sato from the sales department.

こちらの意見としては賛成できません。

From our side, we cannot agree.

こちらの都合で延期させてください。

Please allow us to postpone due to our circumstances.

5

This person — used when introducing someone close to the speaker, often polite and used for equals or superiors.

PronounUsually Kana

Examples

こちらが社長の田中です。

This is our president, Tanaka.

お待たせしました。こちらがお客様の山本様です。

Thank you for waiting. This is our customer, Mr. Yamamoto.

Word Relationships