Italian Phrase
Sì, è proprio lì.
Meaning
A short, emphatic way to confirm that something is exactly at the spot being pointed to. It translates to 'Yes, it’s right there.' The word 'proprio' adds a nuance of precision, stressing that the location is exactly where the listener expects it to be.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks where something is, or when you want to point out an object, place, or person that is just a short distance away from the speaker but not immediately next to them.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sìèpropriolì
Sì (affirmation)
Used to answer positively to a yes/no question; it is the Italian equivalent of 'yes'.
è (essere, 3rd person singular)
The present indicative of 'essere' meaning 'is' when referring to a third‑person singular subject.
proprio (adverb)
An adverb meaning 'exactly', 'right', or 'precisely' that adds emphasis to the location that follows.
lì (adverb of place)
Indicates a place that is relatively far from the speaker, roughly 'there' in English.
🗨In Conversation
Scusi, dove si trova la farmacia?
Excuse me, where is the pharmacy?
Sì, è proprio lì, accanto al bar.
Yes, it’s right there, next to the café.
✕Common Mistakes
Sì, è proprio il lì.
Do not insert an article before 'lì'; 'lì' is an adverb, not a noun.
Sì, lì è proprio.
The order must be 'è proprio lì' – the verb comes before the adverbial phrase.
Sì, è proprio qui.
Use 'qui' only when the object is very close to the speaker; 'lì' is appropriate for a short distance away.
↔Alternatives
Sì, è proprio qui.
Yes, it’s right here.
Sì, è proprio lì vicino.
Yes, it’s right there nearby.
Sì, è proprio lì, di fronte alla stazione.
Yes, it’s right there, opposite the station.
Cultural Tip
In Italian conversation, adding 'proprio' is a common way to stress exactness, especially when giving directions. It sounds natural in both informal and semi‑formal contexts, but avoid over‑using it in very formal written Italian. Also, remember that 'lì' refers to a place a little farther away, while 'qui' means 'here' (right next to the speaker).