Ici
Here
Phrase in 30 Seconds
Ici is the essential French word for 'here,' used to point out your current location or a specific spot nearby.
- Means: 'Here' or 'in this place' (max 15 words)
- Used in: Giving directions, identifying yourself on phone, or pointing at maps. (max 15 words)
- Don't confuse: With 'là,' which often means 'there' but can sometimes mean 'here.' (max 15 words)
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
Used to indicate a location, meaning in this place.
Cultural Background
The phrase 'Ici Londres' is one of the most famous in French history, used by the BBC to reach the French Resistance during WWII. In Quebec, you will often hear 'icitte' instead of 'ici'. It is considered informal but is very common in spoken language. Belgians use 'ici' similarly to the French, but they are often more precise in maintaining the distinction between 'ici' and 'là' than Parisians. In many French-speaking African countries, 'ici' is used emphatically to denote not just a spot, but a whole neighborhood or city.
The 'Là' Trap
Don't be surprised if you hear 'là' 80% of the time in Paris. 'Ici' is more formal and precise.
No 'à ici'
Never say 'à ici'. Just say 'ici'.
Meaning
Used to indicate a location, meaning in this place.
The 'Là' Trap
Don't be surprised if you hear 'là' 80% of the time in Paris. 'Ici' is more formal and precise.
No 'à ici'
Never say 'à ici'. Just say 'ici'.
Emphasize with 'même'
If someone can't find you, shout 'Ici-même !' to mean 'Right exactly here!'
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'here'.
Je suis ____, devant le cinéma.
The speaker is identifying their current location, so 'ici' is the correct choice.
Which phrase means 'This way'?
Comment dit-on 'This way' en français ?
'Par ici' is the standard expression for 'this way' or 'through here'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Où sont mes clés ? B: Elles sont ____ sur la table.
The keys are in a specific location on the table, so 'ici' is used.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Ici Londres.
This is the historical opening for BBC broadcasts to France during WWII.
Complete the time expression.
Le bus arrive ____ cinq minutes.
'D'ici' + time duration means 'within' or 'from now'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Ici vs. Là vs. Là-bas
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsTechnically, 'ici' is here and 'là' is there. However, in modern spoken French, 'là' is often used for both. 'Ici' remains the choice for precision and formal writing.
Yes! 'D'ici' means 'from now' or 'within'. For example, 'd'ici demain' means 'by tomorrow'.
Neither. 'Ici' is an adverb, so it has no gender and never changes.
Just say 'ici'. If you need to be specific about being inside, say 'à l'intérieur'. Avoid 'dans ici'.
It means 'this way' or 'around here'. It's very common when giving directions.
It is a regional variation used in Quebec and some parts of France. It's very informal.
Yes, it's often used for emphasis: 'Ici, on ne rigole pas !' (Here, we don't joke around!)
It's a poetic way to say 'here on earth', often used in contrast to heaven.
The standard phrase is 'Cliquez ici'.
Usually, yes. It is a 'deictic' word, meaning its meaning depends on who is speaking and where they are.
Yes, it means 'I am from here' or 'I come from this place'.
Yes, but often replaced by 'en ce lieu' or 'dans nos locaux' (in our premises) for more professional tone.
Related Phrases
là
similarthere
là-bas
contrastover there
par ici
specialized formthis way
d'ici
specialized formfrom here / within
ici-même
specialized formright here
ici-bas
specialized formhere on earth
Where to Use It
At a Restaurant
Client: Est-ce qu'on peut s'asseoir ici ?
Serveur: Bien sûr, installez-vous.
On the Phone
Appelant: Allô, ici Marie. Est-ce que Pierre est là ?
Récepteur: Oui, un instant s'il vous plaît.
Asking for Directions
Touriste: Pardon, où est {la|f} banque sur ce plan ?
Passant: Elle est juste ici, au coin de la rue.
In a Taxi
Passager: Vous pouvez vous arrêter ici, merci.
Chauffeur: D'accord, ça fera douze euros.
At the Office
Chef: Signez ici, s'il vous plaît.
Employé: C'est fait, Monsieur.
Meeting a Friend
Ami 1: Je ne te vois pas ! Tu es où ?
Ami 2: Je suis ici ! Je lève la main !
Shopping
Vendeur: Vous cherchez quelque chose ?
Client: Oui, j'ai vu une robe ici hier.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think: 'I see (ici) what is right here.'
Visual Association
Imagine a giant red map pin (like on Google Maps) dropping onto the floor right at your feet. The pin has the word 'ICI' written on it in bright white letters.
Rhyme
Ici, c'est pour moi et pour toi, juste ici sous le toit.
Story
You are a tour guide in Paris. Every time you stop at a famous landmark, you point your umbrella at the ground and shout 'Ici!' to gather your group. You do this at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the bakery, until everyone knows exactly where 'here' is.
Word Web
Challenge
For the next 5 minutes, every time you touch an object, say 'C'est ici' (It is here) out loud.
In Other Languages
aquí / acá
Spanish maintains a stricter distance-based system (aquí/ahí/allí) than modern French.
hier
German 'hier' is rarely replaced by 'da' in the way 'ici' is replaced by 'là'.
koko (ここ)
Japanese 'koko' is a noun, whereas French 'ici' is an adverb.
huna (هنا)
Arabic often uses 'huna' at the start of sentences more frequently than French uses 'ici'.
zhèlǐ (这里)
Chinese requires a classifier or a noun-like structure, whereas 'ici' stands alone.
yeogi (여기)
Korean 'yeogi' is used as a pronoun/noun, while 'ici' is an adverb.
aqui
Portuguese has 'cá' which is more common in Portugal than in Brazil, similar to the ici/là distinction.
here
English 'here' is rarely substituted with 'there' in the way French 'ici' is substituted with 'là'.
Easily Confused
Learners often hear 'là' when they expect 'ici'.
In casual French, 'là' is used for both 'here' and 'there'. If you want to be safe, use 'ici' for 'here'.
Both mean 'here is/are' in a way.
Use 'voici' to introduce an object or person. Use 'ici' to describe a location.
FAQ (12)
Technically, 'ici' is here and 'là' is there. However, in modern spoken French, 'là' is often used for both. 'Ici' remains the choice for precision and formal writing.
Yes! 'D'ici' means 'from now' or 'within'. For example, 'd'ici demain' means 'by tomorrow'.
Neither. 'Ici' is an adverb, so it has no gender and never changes.
Just say 'ici'. If you need to be specific about being inside, say 'à l'intérieur'. Avoid 'dans ici'.
It means 'this way' or 'around here'. It's very common when giving directions.
It is a regional variation used in Quebec and some parts of France. It's very informal.
Yes, it's often used for emphasis: 'Ici, on ne rigole pas !' (Here, we don't joke around!)
It's a poetic way to say 'here on earth', often used in contrast to heaven.
The standard phrase is 'Cliquez ici'.
Usually, yes. It is a 'deictic' word, meaning its meaning depends on who is speaking and where they are.
Yes, it means 'I am from here' or 'I come from this place'.
Yes, but often replaced by 'en ce lieu' or 'dans nos locaux' (in our premises) for more professional tone.
