vs
QUICK ANSWER
"There" is an adverb which is often translated as "ahí", and "in there" is a phrase which is often translated as "ahí dentro". Learn more about the difference between "there" and "in there" below.
there(
thehr
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
b. allí (further away from the listener)
I left the books there because I didn't know where to put them.Dejé los libros allí porque no sabía dónde ponerlos.
c. allá (even further away from the listener)
I have a friend who lives in London. I'm going to visit him there in October.Tengo un amigo que vive en Londres. Voy a visitarlo allá en octubre.
a. ahí
That's all the time we have for now, so we'll have to stop there.Ya no nos da tiempo para más, así que lo dejaremos ahí por ahora.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
There aren't enough chairs in this office.No hay suficientes sillas en esta oficina.
There were a lot of people at the party.Había mucha gente en la fiesta.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
There! All of the boxes have been packed.¡Hecho! Se han empacado todas las cajas.
There! The car shouldn't give you any more trouble after that fix.¡Listo! El coche no te debería dar más problemas después de esa reparación.
in there(
ihn
thehr
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. ahí dentro
I won't leave you alone in there. I know how uncomfortable you feel at parties.No te dejaré sola ahí dentro. Sé que te pones incómoda en las fiestas.
b. allí
The basketball isn't in the garage. - I know it's in there. Let me look.La bola de baloncesto no está en el garaje. - Sé que está allí. Déjame ver.
