Estoy aquí
/estoi aki/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I am here" is translated into Spanish as Estoy aquí.
This phrase is used to indicate that the speaker is present in a specific location.
What does it mean word for word?
The word estoy is the first-person singular form of the verb estar, which is used for temporary states and locations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Central America, you may hear the variant Acá estoy. In Caribbean Spanish dialects, a colloquial version used is Aquí toy.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the phrase to mean "you are here" (informal), use estás aquí. To say "he/she/it is here", change the verb to está aquí.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When talking about your location, always use the verb estar (as in estoy) rather than ser (as in soy). Even if your location is permanent, the concept of being in a place requires estar.
Did you know?
- If you are asked 'Where are you?' in a classroom or meeting, you might answer Presente instead of Estoy aquí. This is the standard way to indicate presence during a roll call.
- The verb estar in estoy is conceptually related to the Latin word stare, meaning 'to stand'.
- The word aquí is actually a combination of two words, the Vulgar Latin eccum meaning 'this' and hīc meaning 'here'.
Examples in context
- Estoy aquí.I am here.This sentence shows the basic statement of being present.Tatoeba #2005522 by Shishir, translation #2778806 by CK
- Estoy aquí ahora.I am here now.This sentence shows how to add the word 'now' to the phrase.Tatoeba #4752318 by DarkHollow, translation #4751751 by Barra
- Estoy aquí de negocios.I am here on business.This sentence shows how to specify that you are present for business purposes.Tatoeba #1268855 by arashi_29, translation #61602 by CK
- ¡Presente! (Last name) está aquí.Present! (Last name) is here.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel calls María to find her in a crowded park.
- Daniel¿María, dónde estás?María, where are you?
- María¡Estoy aquí, junto al árbol!I am here, next to the tree!
- DanielTe veo, ya voy hacia allá.I see you, I am coming towards you now.
- MaríaQué bueno, te estaba esperando.That's good, I was waiting for you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aquí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
