Meaning
Indicates a location further away from the speaker.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'allí' is used very precisely for distant points. People will often point with their whole hand or a nod of the head. Mexicans often use 'allá' more frequently than 'allí' to refer to distant places, sometimes even for places that aren't that far. Argentines use 'allá' quite often. 'Allí' can sound slightly more formal or literary in some regions. In Colombia, 'allí' is common, but you will also hear 'allá' used for general distance.
The Finger Rule
If you have to point with your whole arm, use 'allí'. If you can just point with your finger, use 'ahí'.
Don't overthink it
Even if you mix up 'allí' and 'allá', people will understand you. Focus on the distance concept.
Meaning
Indicates a location further away from the speaker.
The Finger Rule
If you have to point with your whole arm, use 'allí'. If you can just point with your finger, use 'ahí'.
Don't overthink it
Even if you mix up 'allí' and 'allá', people will understand you. Focus on the distance concept.
Use with 'estar'
Always pair 'allí' with 'estar' when talking about location. 'Es' is for identity, 'está' is for location.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct location word.
No estoy aquí, estoy ____.
Since you are not here, you must be in a different, distant location.
Choose the correct sentence.
Which sentence is correct?
Location is expressed with 'estar' + location adverb.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Dónde está el museo? B: ____, al final de la calle.
The museum is far away, so 'allí' is the correct choice.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesNo estoy aquí, estoy ____.
Since you are not here, you must be in a different, distant location.
Which sentence is correct?
Location is expressed with 'estar' + location adverb.
A: ¿Dónde está el museo? B: ____, al final de la calle.
The museum is far away, so 'allí' is the correct choice.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is neutral and used in all registers.
Yes, it can refer to a point in time, like 'allí empezó todo'.
To mark the stress on the final syllable.
'Allí' is for a specific point, 'allá' is for a more general or further distance.
Yes, to indicate where they are.
Yes, it is universally understood.
Point at things in your room and say 'allí'.
No, it is an adverb.
Yes, it means 'around there'.
People will think you are talking about something closer to you.
No, it is invariable.
Extremely common.
Related Phrases
por allí
similararound there
de allí
builds onfrom there
allí mismo
specialized formright there
allá
contrastover there (further)
