qui
/ˈkwi/
qui is the Italian word for.
qui is used to refer to the place where the speaker is currently located. If you want to refer more generally to an area, a neighborhood or a surrounding vicinity, you can use the phrase Da queste parti, which means "around here" or "in these parts".
Which one should you use?
Both qui and qua mean "here", but qui is often perceived as slightly more precise or formal than qua.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈkwi/.
Did you know?
- Italians may use the phrase qui da noi to refer to their own country or culture when speaking to a foreigner. In this context, 'here' expands from a physical spot to an entire nation.
- The word qui actually contains a hidden 'echo' of the Latin word 'eccum', which was used to draw attention to something nearby. It is essentially a way of saying 'look, right here'.
- The word qui can be used to express a state of mind or a point in a conversation. If someone says Siamo a questo punto qui, they are referring to a metaphorical place in a logical argument.
Examples in context
- Vieni qui che ti faccio vedere il nuovo libro.Come here, and I'll show you the new book.
- Pensavo di venire qui per mangiare la pizza.I was thinking of coming here to eat pizza.
- Vieni qui.Come here.
- Vieni qui subito.Come here immediately.
- Mettilo qui sul tavolo.Put it here on the table.
- C'è molta gente qui oggi.There are a lot of people here today.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are meeting at a train station.
- MatteoCiao Chiara! Sono qui!Hi Chiara! I am here!
- ChiaraDove sei esattamente, Matteo?Where exactly are you, Matteo?
- MatteoSono proprio qui, vicino all'uscita.I am right here, near the exit.
- ChiaraAh, ora ti vedo!Ah, I see you now!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry qui, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries qui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
