par ici
/pa.ʁ‿i.si/
The English phrase 'around here' is translated into French as par ici.
par ici is used to indicate that something is occurring in or near a specific location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition par (through/by) and the adverb ici (here).
Which one should you use?
While par ici refers to the immediate vicinity of the speaker, par là is used to mean 'around there' or 'over that way'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /pa.ʁ‿i.si/. It consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word ici is a shortened evolution of the Latin phrase ecce hīc, which literally translates to 'behold here'.
- While par ici refers to the vicinity, the phrase ici-bas uses the same root to refer to 'this earthly world' in contrast to heaven.
- When gesturing with par ici, French speakers often use a sweeping motion with the hand to indicate a general area rather than pointing to a single spot.
Examples in context
- J'ai grandi par ici.I grew up around here.This sentence shows how to use par ici to talk about where someone grew up.Tatoeba #2426417 by sacredceltic, translation #2330002 by CK
- Je ne vis pas par ici.I don't live around here.This sentence uses par ici to state where someone does not live.Tatoeba #2284465 by sacredceltic, translation #2283610 by CK
- Il fait froid par ici.It's cold around here.This sentence uses par ici to describe the local weather condition.Tatoeba #5430863 by Aiji, translation #3733287 by CK
- Quels sont les bons restaurants dans le coin?What are the good restaurants around here?
- Je recherche une boulangerie dans les environs.I'm looking for a bakery around here.
- Est-ce qu'il y a un parc par ici?Is there a park around here?
- Tu connais de bons endroits dans le coin?Do you know any good places around here?
- Dans les parages, il y a un musée intéressant.In the vicinity, there's an interesting museum.
- 46 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are walking in a neighborhood looking for a bakery.
- LucasEst-ce qu'il y a une boulangerie par ici ?Is there a bakery around here?
- ManonOui, je pense qu'il y en a une.Yes, I think there is one.
- LucasC'est très joli par ici, non ?It's very pretty around here, isn't it?
- ManonOui, c'est mon quartier préféré.Yes, it's my favorite neighborhood.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry par ici, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ici, par, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
