Meaning
In, at, or to this place or position.
Cultural Background
Brazilians use 'aqui' for almost everything related to 'here'. It is very common to hear 'Aqui ó' while the person points to their eye to say 'Look at me' or 'Pay attention'. In Portugal, there is a subtle distinction between 'aqui' (exact spot) and 'cá' (general area/towards me). 'Vem cá' is much more common than 'Vem aqui' in Lisbon. Similar to Brazil, 'aqui' is the dominant form, but it is often used with a very rhythmic repetition for emphasis.
The Hand Rule
If you can touch it without walking, it's 'aqui'.
No 'Em'
Never say 'em aqui'. The word 'aqui' already contains the locative sense.
Meaning
In, at, or to this place or position.
The Hand Rule
If you can touch it without walking, it's 'aqui'.
No 'Em'
Never say 'em aqui'. The word 'aqui' already contains the locative sense.
Digital Use
When writing an email, use 'aqui' to refer to an attachment: 'O arquivo está aqui'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'here'.
O meu escritório é ____.
Since it is 'my' office, it is close to the speaker.
Which sentence is correct?
To tell someone to come to you, you say:
Movement towards the speaker requires 'aqui'.
Match the Portuguese with the English.
1. Daqui, 2. Por aqui, 3. Aqui mesmo
These are common prepositional phrases using 'aqui'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Onde estão as chaves? B: Estão ____ na minha mão.
If the keys are in the speaker's hand, they are 'aqui'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesO meu escritório é ____.
Since it is 'my' office, it is close to the speaker.
To tell someone to come to you, you say:
Movement towards the speaker requires 'aqui'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common prepositional phrases using 'aqui'.
A: Onde estão as chaves? B: Estão ____ na minha mão.
If the keys are in the speaker's hand, they are 'aqui'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsMostly, yes. In Brazil, 'aqui' is used for everything. In Portugal, 'cá' is used for movement towards the speaker and 'aqui' for a specific static point.
In some contexts, yes. 'Aqui' can refer to the current point in a story or argument, similar to 'at this point'.
Use 'daqui' (de + aqui). Example: 'Eu sou daqui' (I am from here).
No, 'aqui' is an adverb and never changes its form.
It means 'around here' or 'this way'.
It is neutral. It is used in both the most formal legal documents and the most casual street slang.
Related Phrases
Ali
contrastThere (visible, but not near speaker/listener)
Aí
contrastThere (near the listener)
Cá
synonymHere
Daqui a pouco
builds onIn a little while
