par ici
/pa.ʁ‿i.si/
The English phrase "this way" can be translated into French as par ici.
The phrase par ici is used to direct someone to follow the speaker in a specific direction. It can also be used to point out the location of a specific thing or quality.
What does it mean word for word?
par ici is composed of the preposition par (through/by) and the adverb ici (here).
Which one should you use?
While par ici directs someone toward the speaker's immediate vicinity, par là directs someone toward a different direction (that way).
How do you pronounce it?
/pa.ʁ‿i.si/
Did you know?
- The Latin ancestor of ici, 'ecce hīc', literally translates to 'behold here', which shows the ancient, emphatic roots of the word.
- When using par ici to guide a guest, it is common to accompany the phrase with a sweeping gesture of the hand rather than a finger point.
- In a professional setting like a hotel or restaurant, par ici is often paired with je vous en prie to create a highly formal invitation to follow.
Examples in context
- Venez par ici !Walk this way.This sentence is useful for commanding someone to walk towards the speaker using par ici.Tatoeba #1846288 by sacredceltic, translation #1844219 by CK
- Par ici, je vous prie.Please come this way.This sentence is useful for politely asking someone to come the speaker's way using par ici.Tatoeba #1594130 by sacredceltic, translation #967196 by Eevee
- Par ici la bonne soupe !This way to the good soup!This sentence is useful for pointing out the location of something, such as soup, using par ici.Tatoeba #1256073 by sacredceltic, translation #10105189 by JumJum
- Veuillez procéder de cette manière.Please proceed this way.
- Le cinéma est par ici, suivez le panneau.The cinema is this way, follow the sign.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas is showing Emma to her seat at a restaurant.
- LucasC'est par ici, Emma.It is this way, Emma.
- EmmaMerci beaucoup, Lucas.Thank you very much, Lucas.
- LucasSuivez-moi par ici.Follow me this way.
- EmmaD'accord, je vous suis.Okay, I am following you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry par ici, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ici, par, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
