¿estás aquí?
The English phrase "are you here?" is translated into Spanish as ¿estás aquí?
This phrase is a question used to ask if someone is present in a specific location.
Which one should you use?
The form ¿estás aquí? is used for a single person in an informal context. In contrast, if you are asking a group of people if they are present, you should use ¿están aquí?
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to someone in a formal context or to show respect, use ¿está usted aquí? instead of the informal ¿estás aquí?
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the verb ser instead of estar to ask about location. Remember that estar is the correct verb to use when asking if someone is in a place.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'are' for both identity and location, using the wrong Spanish verb can change your meaning entirely. If you say eres aquí instead of estás aquí, you are not asking if someone is present, but rather if they 'are' the place itself.
- During a phone call, asking ¿estás aquí? can be used as a way to check if the connection is still active or if the other person is still paying attention.
- In a Spanish classroom or formal roll call, you will not usually hear the word sí as a response to ¿estás aquí?, but rather the word presente.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, ¿está usted aquí?Good morning, are you here?
- ¿Estás aquí, Juan?Are you here, Juan?
- ¿Estás por aquí cerca?Are you around here?
- No te veo, ¿estás aquí?I don't see you, are you here?
Example conversation
María is looking for Alejandro in a crowded park.
- María¡Alejandro! ¿Estás aquí?Alejandro! Are you here?
- AlejandroSí, estoy aquí junto al árbol.Yes, I am here next to the tree.
- MaríaTe veo, ya voy hacia ti.I see you, I'm coming towards you now.
- AlejandroPerfecto, te espero.Perfect, I'll wait for you.
