Where are your socks? Here? There? Over there? Right there? In English, we can pretty much say that something is ‘here’ meaning either here next to you or here in Carrillo. We can also say something is ‘there’ meaning there on the couch or there in Tulum; we just need context, body language, maybe the addition of descriptive words to give more detail about ‘where exactly’ something is.

In Spanish, however, we use different words which provide more context to where something might be located. Something could be in the same room with you (aquí) or it could be in the general area where you are (acá). This is the same for expressing if something is there in the kitchen (allí) or over there on the other side of the street (allá). 

While all of this might seem a bit difficult to understand how to select exactly how close or far something must be to know which adjective to use, don’t distress. Many people these days use either aquí / acá or allí / allá and you will be understood. However, … we feel it’s our duty to teach you the correct use of these words so with some practice, you will be able to express yourself in Spanish more clearly which hopefully will result in mastery of the language. 

The easiest way to remember whether to use aquí or acá or allí or allá is to be conscious about how close something really is. The question to ask yourself is: Is the thing I’m talking about physically located close to me in my space or is it in the greater area of where I am? 

Let’s look at some examples:

Aquí and Alli 

Both Aquí (here) and Alli (there) are used to express a specific physical location in your general area. 

For example:

If someone is looking for their glasses and they’re on the couch next to you, you’ll say:

 “Están aquí .” This means they’re ‘here’ next to you, physically close to you where you are at the moment. In English, we could also say, ‘right here’. 

If they’re on the couch in the other room, but in the same house, you’ll say:

“Están alli.” meaning they’re ‘there’ in the other room of the house where you physically are. In English this could translate to ‘over there’ to a place you’re pointing to. 

Here are a couple more examples:

Aquí 

¿Dónde está mi lápiz?

Está aquí en la mesa.

Where’s my pencil?

It’s [right] here on the table. 

Alli 

Dónde están mis zapatos?

Están allí en el patio.

Where are my shoes?

They’re [out] there in the yard. 

Acá and Allá

The adjectives acá and allá are used to express where something is by referring to its general location or area rather than a specific spot. 

For example:

If someone wants to know where they can rent a car, and there’s a place in Carrillo (where they are), you can say:

“Puedes rentar un carro acá en Carrillo.” This means that you can rent a car ‘here’ in Carrillo (where we are currently). 

If someone is looking to rent a car but the closest place is in Tulum, an hour way, you’d say:

“Puedes rentar un carro allá en Tulum”. That means you will need to go ‘there’ to Tulum which is outside of the area where you currently are. 

Here are a couple more examples: 

Acá 

(‘here’ or close in location or area)

¿Está el restaurant Italiano allá en Tulum?

¡No! Está acá en Carrillo. 

Is the Italian restaurant in Tulum?

No! It’s here in Carrillo.

Allá

(‘there’ or ‘over there’ in relation to location or area)

¿Dónde se encuentra el Museo Maya?

Se encuentra allá en el parque central.

Where can I find the Maya Museum?

It’s [over] there in the central plaza.

Remember, learning language in bite-sized pieces is sometimes the best way! Try using these words; aquí or acá or allí or allá in your Spanish conversations so they become familiar. The more you use them - without worrying if you make a mistake - will have you learning more quickly and without stress. 

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