What does "é já ali" mean? Asking for directions in Portugal
You're lost in Lisbon and ask a friendly local for directions. They point vaguely up the street and say:
É já ali.
Say it eh zhah uh-LEE
"It's just over there."
Perfect. Almost there.
What it actually means
É já ali literally means "it's right there". In practice, "just over there" is a state of mind. It could mean:
- 25 minutes away.
- Uphill.
- Plus two staircases.
Nobody's lying to you. Distances in Portugal, especially in hilly Lisbon, are measured in good intentions.
Wear the good shoes
When someone says é já ali, smile, say thank you, and check the map anyway. And wear the good shoes.
Obrigado! / Obrigada!
Say it oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-duh
Thank you!
The ending follows the speaker, not the person you're thanking.
In short
- É já ali = "it's just over there".
- "Just over there" can be a 25-minute uphill walk.
- Thank them, and check the map.
Save this before your next walk in Lisbon. The Getting Around & Staying Connected guide has the phrases for asking directions, transport and tickets.