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"
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."
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.
