こちら
こちら
pronoun
this way, this person (polite)
1.
this way, here (polite)
A polite demonstrative for direction or location near the speaker.
2.
this person (polite introduction)
Used when politely introducing someone.
3.
I, we (humble)
Used humbly to refer to oneself or one's group.
こちらこそ、ありがとうございます。
Thank you, too. / I should be the one thanking you.
The polite equivalent of ここ/こっち. Part of the ko-so-a-do demonstrative system. Used in three main ways: direction/location, introductions, and self-reference.
THREE MAIN USES:
1. Direction/location: こちらへどうぞ (This way, please) — very common in shops and restaurants
2. Introductions: こちらは田中さんです (This is Mr. Tanaka) — the polite way to introduce someone
3. Self-reference: こちらから連絡します (We will contact you) — humble way to say "I/we"
KEY EXPRESSION:
こちらこそ — used to return a greeting, thanks, or apology. Means "I should be the one (thanking you / apologizing)." Very common in daily polite exchanges.
KO-SO-A-DO SET:
- こちら: here, this way (near speaker)
- そちら: there, that way (near listener)
- あちら: over there (far from both)
- どちら: which way, where (question)