「そういうとこあるよね」: When 'Exposure' is Proof of Understanding

Do you have a friend who always orders the same dish when you eat out? Or a colleague who always forgets to turn off the lights when leaving the meeting room? When you see them repeat that "signature" action and can only smile and think to yourself, "That's so them," there's a perfect Japanese phrase to describe this moment: 「そういうとこあるよね」 (Sou iu toko aru yo ne).

This is one of those phrases you'll never find in a textbook, but it's an indispensable spice in intimate conversations, showing connection and mutual understanding. Let's break it down! 😉

---

🤔 What does "そういうとこあるよね" mean?

If translated literally, this sentence means:

• そういう (sou iu): like that, that kind of
• とこ (toko): is a shortened way of saying ところ (tokoro), meaning "point," "aspect," "place"
• あるよね (aru yo ne): you have it / right?

=> Putting it together, we can roughly understand it as: "(You) have that point, don't you!" or "You really do have that trait!".

It's used to point out a characteristic, a habit, a type of behavior that is very typical of a person you know well.

✨ The Power of Subtlety: Criticism or Understanding?

The best thing about this phrase is its nuance. It's not a heavy criticism, but a comment that shows closeness. It implicitly says: "I know you so well, and I see these parts of you too."

This phrase can be used in many contexts:

• ✅ Gentle teasing, 'exposing' (usually with close friends):

  • Situation: Your best friend buys a new pair of shoes even though they already have a whole collection at home.
  • You could say: 「うわ、また靴買ったの？本当に好きだよね。そういうとこあるよね〜（笑）」(Uwa, mata kutsu katta no? Hontou ni suki da yo ne. Sou iu toko aru yo ne~ (laughs))
  • Translation: "Wow, you bought shoes again? You really love them, huh. That's so you! (laughs)"

• ✅ Showing empathy, understanding:

  • Situation: A friend who worriesOGRAM is worrying excessively about a small thing.
  • You could say: 「大丈夫だよ。心配しすぎだって。でも、Aさんのそういうとこあるよね。わかるよ。」(Daijoubu da yo. Shinpaishi sugi datte. Demo, A-san no sou iu toko aru yo ne. Wakaru yo.)
  • Translation: "It's okay. You're worrying too much. But I know that's just how you are. I get it."

• ✅ A touch of lovable 'helplessness' (often used with family, partners):

  • Situation: Your husband/wife leaves their things lying around again, even though you've reminded them many times.
  • You could say: (Sighs) 「もう、また鍵をここに置きっぱなし…。そういうとこあるよね、本当に。」(Mou, mata kagi wo koko ni okippanashi... Sou iu toko aru yo ne, hontou ni.)
  • Translation: "Sigh, you left the keys here again... You and your habits, honestly."

💡 The Bottom Line

「そういうとこあるよね」 is a wonderful phrase to show that you don't just communicate superficially but truly observe and understand the person you're talking to. It turns a potentially negative comment into proof of closeness, showing that you accept their "very unique" habits.

The next time you see your best friend do something "so them," try using this phrase. It's guaranteed to make them laugh and feel understood instantly! 💯