Signification
Indicating the location of something at a distance.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, people are very direct with their pointing. It is not considered rude to point at objects or landmarks with your index finger while saying 'Allí está.' You will often see Mexicans point with their chin or lips. If someone says 'Allí está' and just thrusts their chin in a direction, look where the chin is pointing! Argentines often use 'Ahí está' even for things that are quite far away, sometimes blurring the line between 'ahí' and 'allí.' In Colombia, 'Allá' is often preferred over 'Allí' for anything that isn't immediately reachable. 'Allá está' sounds very natural and warm.
The Pointing Rule
Always use a gesture when saying this. It makes you sound much more native and helps clarify the distance.
Accent Alert
Writing 'alli' without the accent is a common mistake. Always dot the 'i' with a slant!
Signification
Indicating the location of something at a distance.
The Pointing Rule
Always use a gesture when saying this. It makes you sound much more native and helps clarify the distance.
Accent Alert
Writing 'alli' without the accent is a common mistake. Always dot the 'i' with a slant!
Allí vs Allá
If you can see the exact spot, use 'Allí'. If you are pointing toward a general horizon or a distant city, use 'Allá'.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence for something far away.
¡Mira! ______ está el autobús.
We use 'allí' for things that are far away from both the speaker and the listener.
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'estar'.
Allí ______ (ellos) mis amigos.
Since 'mis amigos' is plural, the verb must be 'están'.
Match the phrase to the correct distance.
You are pointing at a mountain in the distance.
A mountain is far away, so 'allí' is the appropriate choice.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Dónde está mi perro? B: ¡Mira! ______ ______ debajo del árbol lejos.
The word 'lejos' (far) indicates we should use 'allí', and location uses 'está'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices¡Mira! ______ está el autobús.
We use 'allí' for things that are far away from both the speaker and the listener.
Allí ______ (ellos) mis amigos.
Since 'mis amigos' is plural, the verb must be 'están'.
You are pointing at a mountain in the distance.
A mountain is far away, so 'allí' is the appropriate choice.
A: ¿Dónde está mi perro? B: ¡Mira! ______ ______ debajo del árbol lejos.
The word 'lejos' (far) indicates we should use 'allí', and location uses 'está'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! It is perfectly normal to say 'Allí está Juan' to point out a person.
'Ahí' is closer to the person you are talking to. 'Allí' is far from both of you.
It is neutral. You can use it in any situation, from a job interview to a dinner with friends.
It's a regional preference, very common in Latin America, and often implies a slightly further or less precise distance.
Yes, if you are pointing at multiple things, say 'Allí están'.
Yes, 'El libro está allí' is correct and common, though 'Allí está el libro' is more emphatic.
Generally no, especially when giving directions or pointing out objects. However, pointing directly at a person's face can be rude.
Use the imperfect tense: 'Allí estaba'.
No, 'Allí está' is strictly visual. For a sound, you'd say 'Allí suena' or 'Se oye por allí'.
The phrase 'Allí está' doesn't change for gender, so you're safe!
Expressions liées
Aquí está
contrastHere it is
Ahí está
similarThere it is (near you)
Allá está
similarOver there it is
Por allí
builds onThat way / Around there
Ya está
similarIt's done / That's it
