What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb llegar (to arrive) and the adverb allí (there).
Which one should you use?
While llegar allí is a standard way to say 'get there', you may encounter other forms depending on the context. Llegar allá is often used to imply a greater distance or a more vague location. Llegar ahí is a common alternative used when the destination is more specific or closer to the listener.
How does it change in a sentence?
Depending on the level of precision and distance, you can substitute the adverb: use llegar allá for more distant or vague locations and use llegar ahí for destinations that are closer to the listener or more specific. Additionally, as noted, you may omit the adverb entirely if the location is already clear.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝeɡaɾ aʝi/
Did you know?
- The verb llegar actually has its roots in naval history, coming from the Latin word applicāre, which originally meant 'to land' or 'to reach the coast'.
- In Spanish, you can use llegar to describe reaching a goal or a specific age, not just a physical place. For example, someone might use it to say they finally reached their thirties.
Examples in context
- ¿Cómo vamos a llegar allí?How are we going to get there?This sentence is useful for asking about the method of transportation to reach a destination using llegar allí.Tatoeba #1938695 by teskmon, translation #1463539 by negativeclock
- Puedo llegar allí yo sola.I can get there on my own.This sentence shows how to express the ability to reach a destination independently using llegar allí.Tatoeba #11848190 by Seael, translation #11848180 by CK
- ¿Cuánto llevará llegar allí?How long will it take to get there?This sentence is used to inquire about the duration of a trip to reach a destination using llegar allí.Tatoeba #8814134 by arh, translation #50865 by CK
- Podemos ayudarlo a llegar allí rápidamenteWe can help you get there quickly
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are planning a trip to a mountain village.
- JavierEs un pueblo pequeño. ¿Cómo podemos llegar allí?It is a small village. How can we get there?
- LucíaPodemos tomar un autobús desde la ciudad.We can take a bus from the city.
- JavierPerfecto, ¿a qué hora vamos a llegar allí?Perfect, what time are we going to get there?
- LucíaCreo que llegaremos allí al mediodía.I think we will get there at noon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries allí, llegar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
