"Home is where the heart is" they say, but in Japan, it's also where your jyuusho 住所(じゅうしょ) is! Today, let’s break down the Japanese word for address, 「住所」 (じゅうしょ). What does it mean? How can it be used? And what does a Japanese address even look like?

「住所(じゅうしょ)」 means "address" in a general sense. This word is important in both casual and formal contexts, like when you fill out forms or talk about locations. It’s a very useful word for anyone preparing for the JLPT N4.

カフェの　住所は　何ですか？

What is the address of the cafe?

Together, 住所(じゅうしょ) refers to "a place where someone lives," or simply, "address." This is a formal and standard term, often used in official documents or conversations.

あなたの　住所は　どこですか？

Where is your address?

住所が　変わりました。

My address has changed.

住所を　教えて　ください。

Please tell me your address.

住所が　分かりません。

I don't know my address.

In Japan, an address is usually written in a specific order. Let’s look at the general structure of a Japanese address:

• Postal code: Usually written with a hyphen (e.g. 123-4567).
• Prefecture: The name of the area or region, like Tokyo or Osaka.
• City, Town, or Village: The name of the city or town, like Shibuya or Sapporo.
• Ward or District: In cities like Tokyo, there are smaller areas called wards (e.g., Shinjuku).
• Street and Building Number: The street and building number, usually a block and house number.

For example, a simple address might look like this:

• 〒181-0013: Postal code
• 東京都: Tokyo Prefecture
• 三鷹市: Mitaka City
• 下連雀1丁目1-83 Shimorenjaku Street (Block 1, Building 83)

Which can also be written in one line 〒181-0013 東京都三鷹市下連雀1丁目1-83.

The kanji's「住」and「所」are also used in other common JLPT N4 words, such as:

• 近所 (きんじょ) (kinjyo) - neighbourhood; neighborhood; vicinity​
• 近所 (ばしょ) (basho) - place; location; spot; position; area​
• 事務所 (事務所) (jimusho) - office

and also some JLPT N5 vocabulary you may recall, which may now help with context!

• 住む (すむ, sumu) - to live; to reside
• 台所 (だいどころ) (daidokoro) - kitchen
• 所 (ところ) (tokoro) - place; spot

By remembering these vocabulary in connection with the kanji meanings, hopefully you can better retain the meaning of 住所 (address) more easily! Why don't you take a look at our articles for them next.