Aquí vs Allí vs Ahí – Here vs There vs Over There
This short guide explains when to use aquí, ahí and allí to point to locations relative to the speaker and listener. Each section gives quick examples so you can feel the difference in natural contexts.
Aquí
Use aquí to indicate something very near the speaker, often within arm's reach or immediately at hand. Think of the item being "right here" next to you.
| Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 📍 Lo dejé aquí, encima de la mesa. | I left it here, on the table. |
| 🪑 Estoy sentado aquí junto a la ventana. | I am sitting here next to the window. |
| 🗝️ Las llaves están aquí en mi bolsillo. | The keys are here in my pocket. |
| 📖 Mira el libro que está aquí en la estantería. | Look at the book that is here on the shelf. |
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Allí
Use allí to point to a place farther from both the speaker and listener, often out of reach or at a noticeable distance. It signals "over there" relative to the conversation.
| Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🏬 La cafetería queda allí, junto al parque. | The café is over there, next to the park. |
| 🗼 Vimos el monumento y dijimos: está allí. | We saw the monument and said: it’s there. |
| 🚏 El autobús para allí, no aquí. | The bus stops there, not here. |
| 🔦 Allí hay una luz que brilla en la esquina. | There is a light shining over there on the corner. |
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Ahí
Use ahí for an intermediate location, often near the listener or a short distance from the speaker. It can mark a spot that is not as close as aquí but not as distant as allí.
| Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🧴 Pon la botella ahí, junto al fregadero. | Put the bottle there, next to the sink. |
| 🧢 Dejé mi gorra ahí en la silla del pasillo. | I left my cap there on the hallway chair. |
| 🕶️ Coloca las gafas ahí encima del libro. | Place the glasses there on top of the book. |
| 🗑️ La basura está ahí, junto al cubo de reciclaje. | The trash is there, next to the recycling bin. |
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Summary
In short, use aquí for very near the speaker, ahí for a nearby spot often relative to the listener, and allí for more distant places. These small distinctions help listeners picture exact locations and make speech sound natural.
Usage
Practice switching these words in real situations: point to an object, ask where something is, and notice whether the item is within reach (aquí), slightly away (ahí), or farther off (allí). Short dialogues and physical gestures speed up learning.
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Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025