In French, ici, là and là-bas mark different distances and focus, so choosing each one shapes how the listener pictures the location. This guide goes through quick examples and nuances to help you pick the natural marker for every situation.
Ici
Use ici for something very near the speaker, often within arm’s reach or immediately around you. It highlights exactness and presence at the spot where you are.
Put your bag here on the table.
Là
Use là for a place that is near but not right at the speaker’s position—slightly more distant or where attention is directed. It can mark a spot relative to the listener or an intermediate location.
Là-bas
Use là-bas to point to a place clearly farther away, often out of immediate reach or sight. It signals distance and sometimes a more general or remote location.
Nuances
Là can be used more flexibly for attention or contrast, and sometimes swapping ici and là changes the emphasis rather than the literal distance. Short expressions and idioms often prefer one form for naturalness.
Summary
Use ici for very near, là for nearby or attention-driven spots, and là-bas for distant places. Paying attention to small shifts in use helps listeners picture exact locations and makes speech sound natural.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025