In French, demonstrative adverbs are used to indicate location or emphasize a specific point in space or time. The two primary demonstrative adverbs are “ici” and “là”.

Demonstrative Adverbs

1. ici (here)
2. là (there)

Usage and Examples

Ici (Here)

“Ici” is used to indicate something that is close to the speaker.

• Example:
  • Viens ici.
    • Come here.
  • Il habite ici.
    • He lives here.

Là (There)

“Là” is used to indicate something that is farther from the speaker or to emphasize a location that is not immediately adjacent.

• Example:
  • Pose-le là.
    • Put it there.
  • Nous nous rencontrerons là.
    • We will meet there.

Combining with Demonstrative Pronouns

These adverbs can also be combined with demonstrative pronouns for emphasis or clarification.

Demonstrative Pronouns

• ceci (this)
• cela or ça (that)

Examples with Pronouns

1. Ceci (This) + ici (Here)
   • Ceci est important ici.
     • This is important here.
2. Cela/Ça (That) + là (There)
   • Cela est là.
     • That is there.
   • Regarde ça là-bas.
     • Look at that over there.

Demonstrative Adjectives for Comparison

In French, demonstrative adjectives such as “ce” (this/that), “cet” (this/that before a vowel or mute h), “cette” (this/that, feminine), and “ces” (these/those) can also be used with “ici” and “là” to make distinctions between things that are close by and things that are further away.

Examples

• Ce livre-ci (this book here)
• Ce livre-là (that book there)
• Cet homme-ci (this man here)
• Cet homme-là (that man there)
• Cette maison-ci (this house here)
• Cette maison-là (that house there)
• Ces enfants-ci (these children here)
• Ces enfants-là (those children there)

Summary

• ici: here (close to the speaker)
• là: there (farther from the speaker)
• These adverbs are used to indicate location or emphasize a point in space or time.
• Can be combined with demonstrative pronouns (ceci, cela, ça) and adjectives (ce, cet, cette, ces) for emphasis or clarification.

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