When you’re learning French, knowing how to say simple words like “here” can make conversations much easier. Whether you’re traveling to France, speaking with friends, or practicing your French skills, understanding common phrases is important. “Here” is one of those words you’ll use often, especially when you’re pointing to something or directing someone’s attention.
In this article, we’ll teach you how to say “here” in French, along with different ways to use it. We’ll also look at how to say “come here” in French, which is a useful phrase when asking someone to approach you. With these basic phrases, you’ll feel more confident when speaking French in everyday situations.
How to say “here” in French
In French, there are a few ways to say “here,” depending on the context and the type of situation you’re in. The word “ici” is the most common way to say “here,” but there are other ways to express the idea, especially when you want to make a command or give directions. Below are 25 ways to say “here” in French, with their pronunciations, meanings, and examples to help you understand how to use them.
1. Ici
Pronunciation: (ee-see)
Meaning: The most common word for “here.” It’s used in everyday conversation to refer to your current location.
In a Sentence:
- “Nous sommes ici à l’école.” (We are here at school.)
- “Viens ici !” (Come here!)
2. Par ici
Pronunciation: (par ee-see)
Meaning: This means “this way” or “over here,” often used when directing someone to a place.
In a Sentence:
- “Par ici, c’est le café.” (This way, it’s the café.)
- “Venez par ici, s’il vous plaît.” (Come this way, please.)
3. Là
Pronunciation: (lah)
Meaning: This word can also mean “here,” especially when referring to a specific location or pointing to something nearby.
In a Sentence:
- “Regarde là, il y a un oiseau.” (Look here, there’s a bird.)
- “Là, c’est l’endroit où nous allons.” (Here is the place where we’re going.)
4. Ici-même
Pronunciation: (ee-see mem)
Meaning: Means “right here” or “at this very place.” It’s used when you want to emphasize the exact spot.
In a Sentence:
- “Je suis ici-même, au centre commercial.” (I am right here, at the shopping center.)
- “Ici-même, nous avons trouvé une solution.” (Right here, we found a solution.)
5. En ce lieu
Pronunciation: (on suh lyuh)
Meaning: A more formal way to say “here,” often used in official or literary contexts.
In a Sentence:
- “En ce lieu, tout a changé.” (Here, everything has changed.)
- “Nous sommes en ce lieu pour célébrer.” (We are here to celebrate.)
6. Dans ce coin
Pronunciation: (dahn suh kwan)
Meaning: This phrase translates to “in this corner” and can be used to refer to a specific spot nearby.
In a Sentence:
- “Regarde dans ce coin, il y a un chat.” (Look in this corner, there’s a cat.)
- “Je suis assis dans ce coin de la salle.” (I’m sitting in this corner of the room.)
7. Ici-bas
Pronunciation: (ee-see bah)
Meaning: An older or more poetic way of saying “here,” often used to refer to being on Earth or in this world.
In a Sentence:
- “Nous vivons ici-bas pour un court moment.” (We live here on Earth for a short time.)
- “Ici-bas, tout peut arriver.” (Here, anything can happen.)
8. Ici et maintenant
Pronunciation: (ee-see eh mahn-ten-ah)
Meaning: This means “here and now,” often used to express immediacy or something happening at this very moment.
In a Sentence:
- “Je veux être ici et maintenant avec toi.” (I want to be here and now with you.)
- “Ici et maintenant, nous devons agir.” (Here and now, we must act.)
9. Juste ici
Pronunciation: (zhust ee-see)
Meaning: “Just here,” used when you want to emphasize that something is exactly in the place you’re pointing to.
In a Sentence:
- “Le magasin est juste ici.” (The store is just here.)
- “Elle est juste ici, ne t’inquiète pas.” (She’s just here, don’t worry.)
10. Là-bas
Pronunciation: (lah-bah)
Meaning: While “là-bas” translates to “over there,” it can also be used to indicate something further “here” in the context of being near but distant.
In a Sentence:
- “Le parc est là-bas, mais je suis ici.” (The park is over there, but I’m here.)
- “Regarde là-bas, il y a une fête.” (Look over there, there’s a party.)
11. Dans le coin
Pronunciation: (dahn luh kwan)
Meaning: Means “in the corner” and refers to being in a specific location or corner of a space.
In a Sentence:
- “Il y a une table dans le coin.” (There’s a table in the corner.)
- “Je vais me poser dans le coin.” (I’ll sit down in the corner.)
12. Près d’ici
Pronunciation: (preh dee-see)
Meaning: “Near here,” used when something is close by.
In a Sentence:
- “Il y a un café près d’ici.” (There’s a café near here.)
- “Le restaurant est près d’ici, allons-y !” (The restaurant is near here, let’s go!)
13. Sur place
Pronunciation: (sir plas)
Meaning: This phrase means “on site” or “at this location,” often used in business or travel contexts.
In a Sentence:
- “Nous avons des tickets sur place.” (We have tickets here.)
- “Sur place, tout est organisé.” (Everything is organized here.)
14. Ici en face
Pronunciation: (ee-see on fahs)
Meaning: “Right here in front,” used to indicate something directly ahead of you.
In a Sentence:
- “Il y a un restaurant ici en face.” (There’s a restaurant right here in front.)
- “La banque est ici en face, vous ne pouvez pas la manquer.” (The bank is right here in front, you can’t miss it.)
15. Chez nous
Pronunciation: (shay noo)
Meaning: Literally means “at our place,” used when referring to your home or someone’s home.
In a Sentence:
- “Viens chez nous ce soir !” (Come to our place tonight!)
- “Nous sommes ici chez nous.” (We are here at our place.)
16. Dans cette zone
Pronunciation: (dahn set zoan)
Meaning: “In this zone,” typically used when referring to a specific area or zone.
In a Sentence:
- “Cette zone est ici, à côté du parc.” (This area is here, next to the park.)
- “Dans cette zone, il y a beaucoup de magasins.” (In this zone, there are a lot of stores.)
17. Là tout de suite
Pronunciation: (lah toot doo swee)
Meaning: “Right here, right now,” used to express urgency or immediacy.
In a Sentence:
- “Je veux ça là tout de suite !” (I want this right here, right now!)
- “Là tout de suite, je n’ai pas le temps.” (Right now, I don’t have time.)
18. Ici autour
Pronunciation: (ee-see oh-toor)
Meaning: “Around here,” used when something is near but not necessarily right next to you.
In a Sentence:
- “Il y a plusieurs magasins ici autour.” (There are several stores around here.)
- “Je vois des gens ici autour.” (I see people around here.)
19. Dans ce secteur
Pronunciation: (dahn suh sehk-teur)
Meaning: “In this sector,” used to refer to a part of a town, building, or other areas.
In a Sentence:
- “Ce secteur est très animé ici.” (This sector is very busy here.)
- “Dans ce secteur, on trouve des restaurants.” (In this sector, you can find restaurants.)
20. Ici au milieu
Pronunciation: (ee-see oh mee-yuh)
Meaning: “Here in the middle,” used to indicate something centrally located.
In a Sentence:
- “L’école est ici au milieu du quartier.” (The school is here in the middle of the neighborhood.)
- “Ici au milieu, c’est plus calme.” (Here in the middle, it’s quieter.)
21. Ici en haut
Pronunciation: (ee-see on oh)
Meaning: “Here above” or “up here,” used to indicate something in an upper location.
In a Sentence:
- “Le livre est ici en haut sur l’étagère.” (The book is up here on the shelf.)
- “Ici en haut, nous avons une vue magnifique.” (Up here, we have a beautiful view.)
22. Ici en bas
Pronunciation: (ee-see on bah)
Meaning: “Here below” or “down here,” used to refer to something in a lower location.
In a Sentence:
- “Les clés sont ici en bas, sur la table.” (The keys are down here, on the table.)
- “Ici en bas, il y a un petit jardin.” (Down here, there’s a small garden.)
23. À cet endroit
Pronunciation: (ah set ahn-droh)
Meaning: “At this place,” used to specify a particular location.
In a Sentence:
- “Nous allons rester à cet endroit.” (We will stay at this place.)
- “À cet endroit, il y a un beau parc.” (At this place, there’s a beautiful park.)
24. Ici près
Pronunciation: (ee-see preh)
Meaning: “Here near,” used to refer to something that is close by.
In a Sentence:
- “Le restaurant est ici près du centre.” (The restaurant is here near the center.)
- “Nous sommes ici près de la mer.” (We are here near the sea.)
25. Ici à côté
Pronunciation: (ee-see ah koh-tey)
Meaning: “Here next to,” used when something is right beside you.
In a Sentence:
- “Mon ami est ici à côté de moi.” (My friend is here next to me.)
- “L’école est ici à côté de la bibliothèque.” (The school is right next to the library.)
26. Ici tout droit
Pronunciation: (ee-see toot drwah)
Meaning: “Straight ahead,” used when you want to refer to something directly in front of you.
In a Sentence:
- “Le parc est ici tout droit.” (The park is straight ahead.)
- “Tourne à gauche et c’est ici tout droit.” (Turn left and it’s straight ahead.)
27. Ici autour de nous
Pronunciation: (ee-see oh-toor duh noo)
Meaning: “Here around us,” used when talking about a surrounding area.
In a Sentence:
- “Il y a des gens ici autour de nous.” (There are people around us here.)
- “Ici autour de nous, tout est calme.” (Here around us, everything is calm.)
28. Ici à l’intérieur
Pronunciation: (ee-see ah lan-teh-ree-ur)
Meaning: “Here inside,” used when referring to something inside a building or space.
In a Sentence:
- “Le chat est ici à l’intérieur de la maison.” (The cat is inside the house.)
- “Ici à l’intérieur, c’est très confortable.” (Here inside, it’s very comfortable.)
29. Ici en dessous
Pronunciation: (ee-see ahn duh-soo)
Meaning: “Here below,” used when something is positioned beneath or lower down.
In a Sentence:
- “Le stylo est ici en dessous de la table.” (The pen is here below the table.)
- “Ici en dessous, tu trouveras les clés.” (Here below, you’ll find the keys.)
30. Ici juste devant
Pronunciation: (ee-see zhust duh-vahn)
Meaning: “Here right in front,” used when something is directly in front of you.
In a Sentence:
- “Le cinéma est ici juste devant.” (The cinema is right in front.)
- “Ici juste devant, il y a un arrêt de bus.” (Right in front here, there’s a bus stop.)
31. Ici à l’extérieur
Pronunciation: (ee-see ah leks-teh-ree-ur)
Meaning: “Here outside,” used when referring to something outside or outdoors.
In a Sentence:
- “Le chien est ici à l’extérieur.” (The dog is here outside.)
- “Ici à l’extérieur, il fait beau.” (Here outside, the weather is nice.)
32. Ici en toute sécurité
Pronunciation: (ee-see ahn toot seh-kew-ree-tey)
Meaning: “Here in safety,” used to describe being in a safe or secure place.
In a Sentence:
- “Nous sommes ici en toute sécurité.” (We are here in safety.)
- “Ici en toute sécurité, tu peux te détendre.” (Here in safety, you can relax.)
33. Ici tout près
Pronunciation: (ee-see toot preh)
Meaning: “Here close by,” used to indicate something is very close.
In a Sentence:
- “Le parc est ici tout près.” (The park is very close here.)
- “Ici tout près, il y a un magasin.” (There’s a store close by here.)
34. Ici à ce moment-là
Pronunciation: (ee-see ah suh moh-mahn lah)
Meaning: “Here at this moment,” used when emphasizing the exact time or moment you are referring to.
In a Sentence:
- “Ici à ce moment-là, je ne savais pas quoi faire.” (Here at this moment, I didn’t know what to do.)
- “Ici à ce moment-là, la situation a changé.” (Here at this moment, the situation changed.)
35. Ici au bout
Pronunciation: (ee-see oh boo)
Meaning: “Here at the end,” used to indicate the end or final part of something.
In a Sentence:
- “Le bureau est ici au bout du couloir.” (The office is here at the end of the hallway.)
- “Ici au bout, tu trouveras la sortie.” (Here at the end, you’ll find the exit.)
Other ways to say ‘here’ in French
Here’s a markdown table with 4 columns: Other ways to say, Pronunciation, Meaning, and Example Sentences.
Other ways to say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
Là-bas | (lah-bah) | Over there (often used to refer to a place near but further away) | “Regarde là-bas, il y a un magasin.” (Look over there, there’s a store.) “La voiture est là-bas.” (The car is over there.) |
Ici en face | (ee-see on fahs) | Right here in front | “La banque est ici en face.” (The bank is right here in front.) “Ici en face, il y a un arrêt de bus.” (Right in front, there’s a bus stop.) |
Juste ici | (zhust ee-see) | Just here, used to emphasize something close by | “Le parc est juste ici.” (The park is just here.) “C’est juste ici, à côté de la bibliothèque.” (It’s just here, next to the library.) |
Ici autour | (ee-see oh-toor) | Around here, used to indicate something nearby | “Ici autour, il y a beaucoup de restaurants.” (Around here, there are a lot of restaurants.) “Ici autour de la place, il y a un marché.” (Around the square here, there’s a market.) |
Ici à côté | (ee-see ah koh-tey) | Right next to here | “Le restaurant est ici à côté.” (The restaurant is right next to here.) “Ici à côté, vous trouverez une pharmacie.” (Here next to it, you’ll find a pharmacy.) |
Ici tout droit | (ee-see toot drwah) | Straight ahead, used for directions | “Allez tout droit et c’est ici tout droit.” (Go straight ahead, and it’s straight ahead here.) “La rue est ici tout droit.” (The street is right ahead here.) |
Ici bas | (ee-see bah) | Here below, often used in a more literary or poetic sense | “Ici bas, la vie est belle.” (Here on Earth, life is beautiful.) “Ici bas, nous cherchons tous le bonheur.” (Here below, we all seek happiness.) |
Là tout de suite | (lah toot duh swee) | Right here, right now (used for urgency) | “Je veux ça là tout de suite.” (I want this right here, right now.) “Là tout de suite, nous devons partir.” (Right here, right now, we need to leave.) |
Dans ce coin | (dahn suh kwan) | In this corner, used to refer to a specific corner or area | “Il y a une table dans ce coin.” (There is a table in this corner.) “Ce coin est parfait pour travailler.” (This corner is perfect for working.) |
Près d’ici | (preh dee-see) | Near here, used to indicate closeness | “Le café est près d’ici.” (The café is near here.) “Nous sommes près d’ici, dans le parc.” (We are near here, in the park.) |
Ici en haut | (ee-see on oh) | Here above, used to refer to something up or high | “L’hôtel est ici en haut de la colline.” (The hotel is up here on the hill.) “La chambre est ici en haut.” (The room is up here.) |
Ici en bas | (ee-see on bah) | Here below, used to indicate something lower or down | “Le chat est ici en bas, sous la table.” (The cat is down here, under the table.) “Ici en bas, il y a un jardin.” (Down here, there’s a garden.) |
Chez nous | (shay noo) | At our place, used when referring to home | “Viens chez nous ce soir !” (Come to our place tonight!) “Nous sommes ici chez nous, dans la maison.” (We are here at our place, in the house.) |
Dans ce secteur | (dahn suh sehk-teur) | In this sector, used to refer to a specific area | “Ce secteur est ici à côté du centre commercial.” (This sector is here next to the mall.) “Dans ce secteur, il y a plusieurs entreprises.” (In this area, there are several businesses.) |
Ici au bout | (ee-see oh boo) | Here at the end, used to refer to a distant point | “Le parc est ici au bout de la rue.” (The park is here at the end of the street.) “Ici au bout, il y a une piscine.” (At the end here, there’s a swimming pool.) |
Response to “here” in French
When someone says “here” in French, it’s important to know how to respond correctly, depending on the situation. You can use a variety of responses based on the context, such as acknowledging where something is or giving directions. Here are some common ways to respond when someone uses the word “here” in French.
1. D’accord, je suis ici.
Pronunciation: (dah-kohr, juh swee ee-see)
Meaning: “Okay, I am here.” A simple response when someone is confirming your location.
In a Sentence:
- “D’accord, je suis ici à la gare.” (Okay, I am here at the station.)
- “D’accord, je suis ici avec toi.” (Okay, I’m here with you.)
2. Je suis là.
Pronunciation: (zhuh swee lah)
Meaning: “I am here.” Used when you want to confirm your presence.
In a Sentence:
- “Je suis là, ne t’inquiète pas.” (I’m here, don’t worry.)
- “Je suis là à l’école.” (I am here at school.)
3. C’est ici.
Pronunciation: (say ee-see)
Meaning: “It’s here.” A response to confirm the location of something.
In a Sentence:
- “Le livre est ici, sur la table.” (The book is here, on the table.)
- “C’est ici que nous nous rencontrons.” (This is where we meet.)
4. Je suis juste ici.
Pronunciation: (zhuh swee zhust ee-see)
Meaning: “I am just here.” Used to indicate that you are in the immediate area.
In a Sentence:
- “Je suis juste ici, devant la porte.” (I am just here, in front of the door.)
- “Je suis juste ici, à côté de toi.” (I am just here, next to you.)
5. Ici, tout est prêt.
Pronunciation: (ee-see, toot eh preh)
Meaning: “Here, everything is ready.” Used when confirming that something is prepared in the location mentioned.
In a Sentence:
- “Ici, tout est prêt pour la fête.” (Here, everything is ready for the party.)
- “Ici, tout est prêt pour le dîner.” (Here, everything is ready for dinner.)
6. Je suis ici depuis un moment.
Pronunciation: (zhuh swee ee-see duh-pwee uh moh-mahn)
Meaning: “I have been here for a while.” A response to let someone know you’ve been at the location for some time.
In a Sentence:
- “Je suis ici depuis un moment, où es-tu ?” (I’ve been here for a while, where are you?)
- “Je suis ici depuis dix minutes.” (I’ve been here for ten minutes.)
7. Nous sommes ici ensemble.
Pronunciation: (noo sohm ee-see ahn-sahm-bluh)
Meaning: “We are here together.” Used when confirming that you and others are in the same location.
In a Sentence:
- “Nous sommes ici ensemble, prêts à partir.” (We are here together, ready to leave.)
- “Nous sommes ici ensemble, à l’école.” (We are here together, at school.)
8. C’est juste ici, regarde.
Pronunciation: (say zhust ee-see, ruh-gahrd)
Meaning: “It’s just here, look.” A response to point out something that is nearby.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est juste ici, regarde cette image.” (It’s just here, look at this image.)
- “C’est juste ici, devant nous.” (It’s just here, in front of us.)
9. Je suis là où tu m’as dit.
Pronunciation: (zhuh swee lah oo tew mah dee)
Meaning: “I am here where you told me.” Used to confirm you are at the correct place as instructed.
In a Sentence:
- “Je suis là où tu m’as dit, près du parc.” (I am here where you told me, near the park.)
- “Je suis là où tu m’as dit, devant le cinéma.” (I’m here where you told me, in front of the cinema.)
10. Ici, à côté du restaurant.
Pronunciation: (ee-see, ah koh-tey dyuh ray-stoh-rahnt)
Meaning: “Here, next to the restaurant.” Used to specify a nearby location.
In a Sentence:
- “Je suis ici, à côté du restaurant.” (I’m here, next to the restaurant.)
- “L’endroit est ici, à côté du restaurant.” (The place is here, next to the restaurant.)
11. Je suis ici, juste à temps.
Pronunciation: (zhuh swee ee-see, zhust ah tahm)
Meaning: “I am here, just in time.” Used to indicate that you arrived exactly when needed.
In a Sentence:
- “Je suis ici, juste à temps pour la réunion.” (I am here, just in time for the meeting.)
- “Je suis ici, juste à temps pour voir le film.” (I’m here, just in time to see the movie.)
12. Ici, c’est notre endroit préféré.
Pronunciation: (ee-see, say no-truh ahn-droh preh-fay-ray)
Meaning: “Here, this is our favorite place.” Used when talking about a preferred location.
In a Sentence:
- “Ici, c’est notre endroit préféré pour les vacances.” (Here, this is our favorite place for vacations.)
- “Ici, c’est notre endroit préféré pour manger.” (Here, this is our favorite place to eat.)
13. Ici, vous êtes à la bonne place.
Pronunciation: (ee-see, voo zet ah lah bonn plas)
Meaning: “Here, you are in the right place.” Used to reassure someone they’re in the correct location.
In a Sentence:
- “Ici, vous êtes à la bonne place pour acheter des souvenirs.” (Here, you are in the right place to buy souvenirs.)
- “Ici, vous êtes à la bonne place pour les informations.” (Here, you are in the right place for information.)
14. Ici, tout va bien.
Pronunciation: (ee-see, toot vah byan)
Meaning: “Here, everything is fine.” A response to indicate that everything is good in the location.
In a Sentence:
- “Ici, tout va bien, merci.” (Here, everything is fine, thank you.)
- “Ici, tout va bien, il n’y a aucun problème.” (Here, everything is fine, there’s no problem.)
15. Je suis là pour aider.
Pronunciation: (zhuh swee lah poor eh-day)
Meaning: “I am here to help.” A friendly response to offer assistance.
In a Sentence:
- “Je suis là pour aider si tu as besoin.” (I’m here to help if you need anything.)
- “Je suis là pour aider à organiser.” (I’m here to help organize.)
Exercise to Practice Saying “Here” in French
Here are 12 fill-in-the-blank exercises to help you practice using the different ways to say “here” in French. These exercises will help you understand how to use “here” in various contexts, such as directions, locations, and responses. Fill in the blanks with the correct French phrases from the list above.
Exercise Sentences:
- Le parc est __________, juste à côté de l’école.
(The park is ____, right next to the school.) - Je suis __________ à l’entrée du bâtiment.
(I am ____ at the entrance of the building.) - Il est __________, juste devant la porte.
(He is ____, right in front of the door.) - L’école est __________, au bout de la rue.
(The school is ____, at the end of the street.) - Nous sommes __________ à la bibliothèque.
(We are ____ at the library.) - __________, il n’y a personne.
(____, there’s no one here.) - Le livre est __________, sur la table.
(The book is ____, on the table.) - L’arrêt de bus est __________, juste après le café.
(The bus stop is ____, just after the café.) - Le film commence __________, dans cinq minutes.
(The movie starts ____, in five minutes.) - __________, c’est le bon endroit pour attendre.
(____, this is the right place to wait.) - Je suis __________, près de la fenêtre.
(I am ____, near the window.) - __________, il y a un joli parc.
(____, there’s a nice park.)
Answers:
- ici (The park is here, right next to the school.)
- juste ici (I am just here at the entrance of the building.)
- ici (He is here, right in front of the door.)
- ici au bout (The school is here, at the end of the street.)
- ici (We are here at the library.)
- Ici (Here, there’s no one.)
- ici (The book is here, on the table.)
- par ici (The bus stop is this way, just after the café.)
- ici tout droit (The movie starts here, straight ahead, in five minutes.)
- Ici (Here, this is the right place to wait.)
- ici (I am here, near the window.)
- Ici (Here, there’s a nice park.)
Conclusion
Learning how to say “here” in French and understanding its different uses is an important step in becoming more confident when speaking the language. Whether you’re giving directions, responding to someone, or just trying to describe your location, knowing how to use the word “here” in various ways can help you communicate more clearly. From the simple “ici” to more specific phrases like “juste ici” or “par ici”, you now have many tools at your disposal for expressing yourself in different situations.
By practicing these phrases and using them in everyday conversations, you’ll improve your French language skills and be able to connect more easily with others. Keep practicing, and soon these phrases will feel natural to you. Remember, the more you use them, the more comfortable you’ll become. Bon courage!