How to Say ‘Where do you live?’ in Japanese
どちらにお住まいですか
dochira ni o sumai desu ka
[dochira nee oh soo-MAH-ee dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: どちら is the polite version of どこ "where". お住まい is a respectful way to say "residence", so this whole question is extra courteous.
Phrase Breakdown
どちらに
dochira ni
where (polite)
どちら (dochira) is a polite 'where'. に (ni) marks the place where you live.
どちらに行きますか。
Where are you going?
Words in this phrase
どちら
dochira
[dochira]
which place; where
A polite way to ask which destination or location.
どちらへ向かいますか。
Where are you heading?
に
ni
[nee]
in; at; to
Particle indicating location or target state.
手元に置きたいです。
I want to keep it at hand.
お住まいですか
o sumai desu ka
do you live?
お住まい (osumai) is the honorific word for 'residence'. お住まいですか is a respectful way to ask 'do you live...?'
東京にお住まいですか。
Do you live in Tokyo?
Words in this phrase
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
お adds politeness to certain words and expressions.
チケットを二枚お願いします。
Two tickets, please.
住まい
sumai
[soo-MAH-ee]
residence; living
Noun for where one lives; with お it politely asks about someone's home.
お住まいはどこですか。
Where do you live?
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Placed at the end of a sentence to make it a question.
A席はありますか。
Are there A seats available?
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager