Italian Grammar Mini-Lesson: "Qui, Qua, Lì, Là" – What's the difference?
How to say here and there in Italian
🔍 Topic: How to say here and there in Italian
🧠 Level: A1 – Beginner
1. Vocabulary you need
In Italian, there are two ways to say "here" and two ways to say "there":
qui = here (precise location)
qua = here (general area)
lì = there (specific spot)
là = there (vague or far away)
2. What’s the real difference?
Qui and qua both mean here, but:
"qui" refers to a more exact point. For example: Vieni qui! (Come here, right next to me.)
"qua" refers to a general area. Example: C’è molta gente qua. (There are many people around here.)
Lì and là both mean there, but:
"lì" points to a specific and visible place. Example: Guarda lì! (Look over there!)
"là" refers to a less defined or more distant place. Example: Andiamo là in fondo. (Let’s go over there to the back.)
➡️ In practice, most Italians use them interchangeably, especially qui/qua and lì/là.
3. Do they need accents?
lì and là: YES, they need the accent! The accent is mandatory, because it distinguishes them from words like li (them) or la (her/it).
qui and qua: NO, never use accents on these! Writing quì or quà is incorrect.
So remember:
✔️ Correct: lì, là, qui, qua
❌ Incorrect: li, la, quì, quà
4. Mini practice exercise
Match the Italian word to its meaning:
là → there (far, vague)
qui → here (exact point)
lì → there (specific spot)
qua → here (close, general)
5. Bonus tip
In everyday conversation, Italians often use qua and là more often than qui and lì, especially in informal speech.
Example:
Da queste parti, qua non succede mai niente.
(Around here, nothing ever happens.)
📌 Final recap
Use qui/qua for here
Use lì/là for there
Accents are only for lì and là
All four words are short and very common, mastering them gives your Italian a natural touch!