This is the 6334th most frequent Japanese word.
サト
The Japanese word "サト" can mean "village," "countryside," or "home," depending on context. It can also be a name.
サト is used as a proper noun, likely the name of a person.
サトは学校で勉強しています。
Sato is studying at school.
サト refers to the individual who provided the method being discussed.
サトに教えてもらった方法が役に立ちました。
The method taught to me by Sato was useful.
里 (pronounced as 'さと') here signifies a village or countryside, used in its noun form.