Qui, qua, lì, là: here and there in Italian
Learn the difference between qui and qua, and lì and là. Use them for precise or general locations with correct accents and natural examples.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
In Italian, 'here' and 'there' have two forms each: qui and qua for here, lì and là for there. The difference is not a strict rule but a tendency: qui and lì often point to a precise spot, while qua and là often refer to a more general area. This lesson shows you how to use them naturally in everyday situations, with correct written accents and pronunciation. You will also learn common questions to ask staff and avoid a frequent mistake with accents.
By the end, you can…
- distinguish between qui and qua, and lì and là in spoken and written Italian.
- use these words to ask for and give locations in everyday situations.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Vieni qui!
Come here!
VYEH-nee kwee
Used when you want someone to come to the exact spot where you are. Qui is more precise than qua.
Il libro è qua, sul tavolo.
The book is here, on the table.
eel LEE-broh eh kwah, sool TAH-voh-loh
Qua refers to a general area around the speaker. The book is somewhere here, not necessarily in my hand.
La stazione è lì, a due passi.
The station is there, just a short walk away.
lah stah-TSYOH-neh eh lee, ah DOO-eh PAHS-see
Lì points to a specific nearby place. Use it when you can almost point to it.
Ci vediamo là, davanti al cinema.
See you there, in front of the cinema.
chee veh-DYAH-moh lah, dah-VAHN-tee ahl CHEE-neh-mah
Là refers to a more general meeting point. It is less precise than lì.
Scusi, dov'è il bagno? Qui o di là?
Excuse me, where is the bathroom? Here or over there?
SKOO-zee, doh-VEH eel BAH-nyoh? kwee oh dee lah
A useful question to ask staff. Di là means 'over that way' and is very common.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The basic pattern is: qui/qua = here, lì/là = there. Qui and lì often suggest a precise point: 'Vieni qui' (Come here, to this exact spot). Qua and là often suggest a broader area: 'Resta qua' (Stay around here). However, in many contexts they are interchangeable. For example, 'Vieni qua' is also correct and common. The choice can depend on region, personal style, or rhythm of the sentence. In standard Italian, both are accepted. When you write, remember the accent: lì and là have a grave accent (accento grave). Without the accent, 'li' is a different word (the ordinary masculine plural object pronoun) and 'la' is the feminine article or pronoun.
When to use it
Use qui or qua when you are physically in the place you are talking about. Use lì or là when the place is away from both you and the listener, or when you are pointing to it. For example, if you are in a shop and want to ask about a product behind the counter, you can say 'Quello lì' (That one there) while pointing. If you are giving directions, 'Vada là' (Go over there) is more general, while 'Vada lì' (Go right there) is more precise. In questions, 'Dov'è?' (Where is?) can be combined: 'Dov'è il bagno? Qui o di là?' (Where is the bathroom? Here or over there?). Note that 'di qua' and 'di là' mean 'this way' and 'that way' and are extremely common in everyday speech.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Scusi, dov'è la fermata dell'autobus?
Excuse me, where is the bus stop?SKOO-zee, doh-VEH lah fehr-MAH-tah del-LOW-toh-boosÈ lì, davanti alla farmacia.
It's there, in front of the pharmacy.eh lee, dah-VAHN-tee AHL-lah fahr-mah-CHEE-ahQuella là o quella qua?
That one there or this one here?KWEHL-lah lah oh KWEHL-lah kwahQuella là, vicino al semaforo.
That one there, near the traffic light.KWEHL-lah lah, vee-CHEE-noh ahl seh-MAH-foh-rohA little context goes a long way
In Italian, qui/qua and lì/là are often accompanied by hand gestures. Pointing with the index finger is common, but a slight nod or lip point can also indicate direction. In formal situations, use 'Scusi' when asking a stranger. The choice between qui and qua, or lì and là, can vary by region: in some northern areas, qua and là are more frequent, while in the south, qui and lì may be preferred. Both are correct.
One thing to watch for
Writing 'li' and 'la' without accents when you mean 'there'.
Try this instead: Write lì and là with accents for there. Li without an accent is a common masculine plural object pronoun: Li vedo means I see them. La without an accent can be an article or object pronoun. The accent distinguishes the location words in writing.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'Come here!' using the more precise form?
Show a sample answer
Vieni qui!
Qui is the more precise form for 'here'. 'Vieni qua!' is also correct and common, but qui emphasizes the exact spot.
2Fill in the blank: 'La stazione è ___, a due passi.' (The station is there, a short walk away.) Use the form that points to a specific nearby place.
Show a sample answer
lì
Lì is used for a specific nearby place. 'Là' would also be grammatically correct, but it suggests a more general area. Both are acceptable.
3What is the difference between 'di qua' and 'di là'?
Show a sample answer
'Di qua' means 'this way' or 'on this side', and 'di là' means 'that way' or 'on that side'.
These expressions are used for direction. For example, 'Il bagno è di là' means 'The bathroom is that way'. They are not interchangeable with qui/qua or lì/là in all contexts.
Use qui and lì for precise spots, qua and là for general areas. Remember the accents on lì and là. When in doubt, both forms are often interchangeable, so choose the one that feels natural.
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