aquí and allá vs de aquí and de allá

[Keats]

I'm having a hard time grasping when to use "de" in front of aquí and allá. This is from Spanish Level 1 and 2. I thought it was when I'd use "over here" or "over there" in English, but that doesn't seem quite right.

[irahandler]

I was having the same problem at those leves. Every time I came across the phrase "allá", "aquí", "de allá" and "de aquí", I made a note of the English and Spanish phrases. It seemed to me that the "de" is needed when the "here" or "there" refers to something more general rather than a specific place. See some usage examples below that I collected. I also have a note (not sure which lesson this is from) that the preposition "de" is needed when you could say "that is here" or "that is there".

Examples from the lessons:
That necklace there is very nice. How much does (it) cost?
Ese collar de allá es muy bonito. ¿Cuánto cuesta?

(I) bought a very nice necklace for my friend(f) at this store here
Compré un collar muy bonito para mi amiga en esta tienda de aquí

No problem, I can wait for you there
No problema, puedo esperarte allá

este de aquí or ese de allá
this one here or that one there?

tuvieron cuatro reuniones allá
they had four meetings there

pero después abrieron una oficina nueva en bogota y tuvo que ir allá
but afterwards they opened an office in bogota and she had to go there

Estan allá, a la derecha
(Referring to some necklaces in a store) They are there, to the right

Ellos van a estar allá unos días
They are going to be there a few days

en esta tienda de aquí hay algunos pareos preciosos.
In this store here there are some gorgeous beach wraps

[Keats]

Bringing this back up to the top because I'm still not getting it. Thanks

[Fluenz User Support]

Hi @Keats and @irahandler

The use of "de" in front of "aquí" and "allá" can indeed be tricky, as it depends on the context in which you're describing movement, origin, or a relationship to a location. Here's a breakdown:

When to Use "de" with "aquí" and "allá"

1. Indicating Origin or Departure:
   Use "de" when referring to something coming from or originating from here/there.

   • Example with aquí:
     • Salió de aquí. = "He/She left from here."
   • Example with allá:
     • Viene de allá. = "He/She is coming from over there."

2. Describing Possession or Reference to a Place:
   "De" can also indicate something belonging to or associated with a place.

   • Example with aquí:
     • La gente de aquí es muy amable. = "The people from here are very kind."
   • Example with allá:
     • Los paisajes de allá son hermosos. = "The landscapes over there are beautiful."

When "de" Is Not Used

• If you're simply stating a location or direction without referencing movement, origin, or possession, "de" isn’t necessary.
  • Estoy aquí. = "I am here."
  • Voy allá. = "I’m going over there."

Why "over here" and "over there" Don't Always Work

While "over here" and "over there" can sometimes align with "de aquí" or "de allá," they don’t always capture the same nuance of origin or association that "de" provides in Spanish.

I hope this helps clarify the usage! Let me know if you have further questions—I’d be happy to help.