aquí
/aˈki/
The English word 'here' is translated into Spanish as aquí. Wiktionary also lists acá and aquende.
Meaning: in, on, or at this place (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| aquí | /aˈki/ |
| acá | /aˈka/ |
| aquende | /aˈkende/ |
The word aquí is a straightforward and versatile way to say 'here' in Spanish, referring to being in, on or at this place.
Which one should you use?
While both aquí and acá mean 'here', aquí is often perceived as more precise or formal, whereas acá is more common in casual speech and can imply a slightly less specific area. In many dialects, acá is used to indicate a general direction or a vague vicinity (e.g., 'over here'), while aquí marks a specific, fixed point.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, aquí takes precedence and the usage of acá is less common. However, in Argentina, it is common to use acá more frequently than aquí.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈki/
Did you know?
- The word aquende is a cognate of the Italian word quindi, which is used to express a logical conclusion or 'therefore'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, pointing with your chin or a subtle head tilt is often used alongside acá to indicate a general direction.
- While aquí and acá are used for 'here', Spanish uses a distinct set of words for 'there' depending on whether the place is within sight or completely remote.
Examples in context
- Hay un bus aquí.There's a bus here.This sentence is useful for describing the presence of a bus using aquí.Tatoeba #1547961 by marcelostockle, translation #880573 by CM
- No hay nada acá.There's nothing here.This sentence is useful for expressing that nothing is present using acá.Tatoeba #2252885 by hayastan, translation #2252669 by CK
- ¡Sal de aquí ya!Get out of here now!This sentence is useful for telling someone to leave a place using aquí.Tatoeba #9445990 by ignacio, translation #1852279 by CK
- ¡Aquí están mis documentos!Here are my documents!
- Claro, está aquí en el centro.Sure, it's here in the city center.
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar una buena cafetería por aquí?Where can I find a good café around here?
- Hay una excelente cafetería por aquí, a unas cuadras más adelante.There's an excellent café around here, a few blocks ahead.
- ¡Ven, acá estoy!Come, I'm here!
- Acá, en la mesa de la entrada.Here, on the hallway table.
- Claro, puedes dejarla por acá, en el sofá.Of course, you can leave it here, on the couch.
- Acá, en el parque.Here, at the park.
- Claro, aquí tienes.Of course, here you go.
- 3916 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are meeting at a cafe.
- Elena¿Estás aquí, Alejandro?Are you here, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, estoy justo aquí.Yes, I am right here.
- Elena¡Qué bueno que llegaste!I'm glad you arrived!
- AlejandroPerdón por la tardanza.Sorry for being late.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “here” translations and entries aquí, acá, aquende, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acá, aquende, aquí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
