Pronouns: Usage of 'hi'

01

Replacing a Location

The most common use of hi is to replace a phrase that indicates a location. This phrase is usually introduced by a preposition like a (to, at), en (in, on), sobre (on top of), or sota (under). In this context, hi means there.

• Vius a Gràcia? Sí, hi visc des de fa dos anys.

  Do you live in Gràcia? Yes, I've lived there for two years.

• Anem al cinema aquesta tarda? No, no hi vull anar.

  Are we going to the cinema this afternoon? No, I don't want to go there.

• Has deixat les claus sobre la taula? Sí, ja hi són.

  Did you leave the keys on the table? Yes, they're already there.

02

Replacing Complements with Prepositions

Hi can also replace a complement of a verb that is introduced by the prepositions a, en, or amb, even when it's not a physical location. This is common with verbs that require a specific preposition (verbs de règim preposicional). In these cases, hi often translates to it, about it, or with it.

• Penses en els exàmens? Sí, hi penso cada dia.

  Are you thinking about the exams? Yes, I think about them every day.

• Estàs d'acord amb la decisió? No, no hi estic d'acord.

  Do you agree with the decision? No, I don't agree with it.

• T'has acostumat a viure a Barcelona? Sí, m'hi he acostumat de seguida.

  Have you gotten used to living in Barcelona? Yes, I got used to it right away.

03

The Expression 'hi ha'

The combination hi ha is a fixed expression that means there is or there are. In this structure, hi doesn't replace a previously mentioned element; it is an essential part of the phrase used to state existence.

• Hi ha llet a la nevera?

  Is there milk in the fridge?

• En aquesta plaça sempre hi ha molta gent.

  In this square there are always a lot of people.

• No hi ha cap problema.

  There is no problem.

04

Pronoun Placement

Like other weak pronouns, the position of hi depends on the verb form.

• It goes before a conjugated verb.

• No hi veig bé.

  I can't see well there.

• It is attached after an infinitive, a gerund, or a positive command.

• M'agradaria anar-hi.

  I would like to go there. (infinitive)

• Està pensant-hi.

  He is thinking about it. (gerund)

• Posa-hi més sucre!

  Put more sugar in it! (command)