Aquí - Acá - Ahí - Allá - Allí

Question

Three years ago I tried to create a page that would be useful in understanding the words in the title of this thread. My attempt drew some suggestions for corrections. This page attempts to include the suggestions I got then and to ask knowledgeable members to review this page and give me any additional suggestions for improvement and change. This page is a work in progress. It is not complete. I will examine any suggestions and incorporate any that are in everyne's best interest for understanding these adverbs of position. Here is/are my suggestion(s):

 

aquí = here where “here” means the place where the speaker is.	acá = here where “here” means the place where the speaker is. Lazarus 1907 advised me that acá, is an alternative way of saying aquí. He said that while acá is also widely used in Spain, it is generally used more in Latin America than in Spain.

 

ahí = there where “there” means In the near distance, or, near the person spoken to, or, in the same room

 

> allí = there where “there” means in the medium distance, or neither near the person speaking nor the person being spoken to,as in, say, down the hall or across the street	allá = there where “there” means in the far distance, or, way over there, or, somewhere over there, or, in another city or in another country.

 

Remember, I'm open to any constructive suggestions. Just include your ideas for improvement in any replies you make and I will look at them.

 

Saludos/Best regards,

Moe

¡¡Excelente idea!! - rac1, Apr 23, 2014

Answer 1

Aquí and acá

It's my understanding that aquí is very specific, ven aquí, means come here, right here to this specific spot. Acá on the other hand is more general, kind of like come over here, in this general area.

I've never been able to pick up on any subtle or even significant differences between the two in conversation, nor has anyone ever corrected me (that I recall) for using one or the other. Meaning that I don't think using one over the other is a huge deal, but I don't really know.

I do believe these to be regional, but beyond that I can offer no additional advice or commentary.

Yes. I understand. It is your observation that you have not been picked up on differences between these two words that inhibited me from giving that kind of detail. Thank you for your observations and comments. I appreciate their constructive and supp - Moe, Apr 23, 2014

Oops! I did not finish ----"constructive and supportive messages. - Moe, Apr 23, 2014

Answer 2

Great idea.

This video will help with aquí, ahí and allí. And a few other things.

For those of you who can read fairly well in Spanish, or those of you up for a challenge, you can read this, Diferencias entre aquí y acá

I found the video to be a little blurred in places. Could it be my old eyes or perhaps my computer? Lazarus did make similar comparisons for "este", "ese" and "aquel" m/f/pl but I thought it too much to include. What do you think?? - Moe, Apr 23, 2014

The video is pretty clear on my end. It could be you've got a slow connection so it doesn't stream properly. - rodneyp, Apr 23, 2014

Este, ese and aquel seem straight forward to me, but I do think they are worth talking about, probably on another thread/page though. - rodneyp, Apr 23, 2014

Answer 3

Perhaps you know this already...disregard it if you do. I found it on the crazed novelist's website

Special Rule for Allí and Ahí:

They can also express emotional distance as well as physical distance. So think of it in both aspects. Here's an example of a sentence that can be physical or emotional, using the same word.

Estoy contento que estás ahí por mi. I am happy that you are there for me. This could be used in a physical or emotional sense. The sentence has the same meaning like it would in English.

Thanks for this reply also, I was aware of this emotional distance idea as well as for using these adjectives of place metaphysically as in this world or the other world. - Moe, Apr 26, 2014

I also understand these adjectives can figure unto comments about time metaphysical space as in this world and the next. Or, sometimes in phrases about time. - Moe, Apr 26, 2014

I'm reluctant to include more than mere physical distance and location to the comparison. - Moe, Apr 26, 2014

Margherite - You must be careful! When you reply to someone seeking input or support, it is like voting for a politician, It just encourages them. - Moe, Apr 26, 2014

Answer 4

Something else that I just picked up (courtesy of Bright Hub) that I don't see in your summary is the use of 'para' before the adverb.

"You may notice that the preposition "para" (for, in order to) is often used before these adverbs of location. When it is, the meaning of the preposition changes to "in the direction of", so to speak.

For example, we can say "¡Ven acá!" (Come here), or "¡Ven para acá!" (Come over here!)."

Good eye, amiga! - rac1, Apr 25, 2014

Gracias amiga. - 007c5fc1, Apr 26, 2014

You've certainly shown a lot of interest in helping me to get this right. Thanks for all your ideas. - Moe, Apr 26, 2014

Answer 5

This subject has not had many views today (Apr 24). In addition, only two of the viewers have left any comments to work with.

Please reaview the entry with a critical eye and offer any constructive suggestions for improvement. My goal is to add the finished item to the reference pages because the words seem,to me, to be asked about frequently.

Thanks/Gracias,
Moe

I am in total support of your efforts here. I will leave any corrections to the experts. jeje - rac1, Apr 24, 2014

Answer 6

You have my vote...it's a great idea. I just have one question (see the block quote)I think one of the words must be a typo but as a novice, I don't know which one is used where.

While acá is widely used in Spain, acá is more generally used in Latin America.

I see what you mean. I will change it in the body of my entry. Nice to see the bitter winter did not freeze your brain. Thanks for your observation. - Moe, Apr 23, 2014

At least now you know I can read ;- p - 007c5fc1, Apr 23, 2014

@ margherite ----> :D - Moe, Apr 23, 2014