所 (suǒ) - place & location

所Tone 3

suǒ ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 戶

树檀

所 · suǒ

place;

location;

that which;

used to form passive constructions;

measure word for buildings and institutions.

placelocationthat which

Usage highlights

PlaceResidenceOfficeAllSoActually

Synonyms

  • 处— place; location
  • 地方— place; location
  • 位置— position; location

Antonyms

  • 无— none; without (antonym to 所有)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This is my workplace (工作场所).
  • All I have seen (我所看到的).
  • We need to find a place to live (住所).
  • That's exactly what I meant (这正是我所说的).

Collocations

  • Place(场所)
  • Residence(住所)
  • Office(事务所)
  • All(所有)
  • So-called(所谓)
  • Actually(事实上)

Idioms

  • Everything one could wish for(无所不有)
  • Nowhere to go(无所适从)
  • Unexpectedly(出人意料)
  • As it should be(理所当然)
  • Take whatever measures necessary(无所不用其极)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted an axe chopping at a door, representing a guarded place or garrison.
  • Now commonly used to form passive constructions in classical Chinese style.
  • Frequently appears in formal and bureaucratic contexts referring to institutions.

FAQ