1.
whereabouts, location
The place where something or someone is located. Often used in formal or official contexts such as legal documents, investigations, or administrative records.
犯人の所在が分からない。
The whereabouts of the criminal are unknown.
責任の所在を明らかにする。
To clarify where the responsibility lies.
責任の所在 is a set phrase meaning 'where responsibility lies.'
行方不明者の所在を確認するため、警察が捜査を続けている。
Police are continuing their investigation to confirm the whereabouts of the missing person.
所在 is a formal word for location or whereabouts. It is frequently used in official, legal, and investigative contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 所在地: location, address (of a building or office)
- 所在を確認する: to confirm the whereabouts
- 所在が不明: whereabouts unknown
- 責任の所在: where responsibility lies
- 所在なさげ: looking bored, having nothing to do
NOTE: The expression 所在ない / 所在なさげ means 'restless, bored, having nothing to do' — an idiomatic usage unrelated to the main meaning of 'location.'