quédate aquí
/kedate aki/from spelling rules
The English phrase "stand here" translates to Spanish as quédate aquí.
In Spanish, rather than using a verb that describes the physical act of standing, speakers use the verb quedarse (to stay or remain) to command someone to remain in a specific spot.
Which one should you use?
While quédate aquí is the default, you may also encounter Párese aquí. or Ponte aquí. The choice between these depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance of the command.
Did you know?
- The word aquí evolved from a Vulgar Latin phrase eccum hīc, which combines the words for 'this' and 'here'.
- The phrase Ponte aquí uses the verb 'ponerse', which literally means 'to put oneself', making the command sound as if you are asking the person to 'place' themselves in that spot.
- If you tell someone Párese aquí in Spain, you are using the formal 'usted' form, but in many parts of Latin America, this same phrasing might sound like a command to 'stand up' rather than to 'stay' in a spot.
Examples in context
- El orador pidió a los invitados que se parasen aquí durante la presentación.The speaker asked the guests to stand here during the presentation.
- ¡Ponte aquí y vamos a tomar una foto juntos!Stand here, and let's take a picture together!
- Quédate aquí mientras voy a la tienda.Stay here while I go to the store.
- Por favor, quédate aquí un momento.Please, stand here for a moment.
- No te muevas, quédate aquí.Don't move, stay here.
Example conversation
Elena is taking a photo of Mateo in a park.
- ElenaMateo, quédate aquí un momento.Mateo, stay here for a moment.
- Mateo¡Claro! ¿Está bien esta posición?Sure! Is this position okay?
- ElenaSí, no te muevas.Yes, don't move.
- MateoListo, ya puedes tomar la foto.Ready, you can take the photo now.
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.
