The Meaning of chousho [長所] In Japanese

長所
ちょうしょ
Romaji: chousho N4

What does 長所 mean?

Translation and Meaning

strong point, merit, advantage, virtue

Definition

What does 長所 mean? It refers to the positive attributes or strengths of a person, object, or idea—its favorable traits or advantages. In everyday use it highlights what is good or beneficial, often appearing in self-descriptions, evaluations, or product descriptions.

Type

Noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Positive attributes describing strengths in people, skills, or items.
  • Advantages or merits highlighted in comparisons, reviews, or marketing.
  • In discussions of pros and cons, emphasizes the ‘pros’ side alongside 短所.

Etymology

etimologia On’yomi chōsho, a compound of 長 and 所. The reading reflects Sino-Japanese phonology; kun’yomi is not used for this word.

Composition

  • 長: long, prominent; conveys a sense of magnitude or importance
  • 所: place, point, aspect; here indicates a facet or feature
  • When combined as 長所, the meaning shifts to the notable or favorable aspects of something

Usage

Used to denote someone or something’s favorable qualities; suitable for both formal writing and casual speech. It is commonly placed with は, が, or の to mark topics or subjects, and appears in contexts like self-introductions, evaluations, and product descriptions. The term remains neutral and objective, avoiding value judgments unless paired with evaluative language.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: think long + spot; picture a long list of good points you place in the spotlight on a resume or in a discussion of strengths.

Variations

  • 強み (つよみ, tsuyomi) — strength, strong point
  • 利点 (りてん, riten) — advantage, benefit
  • 優点 (ゆうてん, yūten) — merit, advantage
  • 短所 (たんしょ, tansho) — weakness, drawback
  • 欠点 (けってん, ketten) — flaw

Example Phrases

  • 面接で自分の長所を端的に伝えた。
    mensetsu de jibun no chōsho o tanteki ni tsutaeta.
    I clearly conveyed my strengths in the interview.
    Lista:
    • 面接で (mensetsu de) – at the interview
    • 自分の (jibun no) – my
    • 長所を (chōsho o) – my strengths
    • 端的に (tanteki ni) – concisely
    • 伝えた (tsutaeta) – conveyed
    Here, 「長所」 means ‘strengths’ and functions as the object of 伝える in the sentence.
長所