Subject Inversion with Voici and Voilà

These words are special. They are not quite verbs, but they act like them. They actually come from the old French words for "see here" (vois ici) and "see there" (vois là). Because of this, they have their own rules for where words go. Usually, the thing you are pointing at comes right after them. However, if you use a pronoun like "me" or "it," things get interesting. The pronoun jumps to the front. This is what we call subject inversion in this context. It is like the pronoun is so excited to be seen that it runs to the front of the line.

1. 1Using these words is like building with Lego blocks. Follow these steps:
2. 2For nouns, put the pointing word first: Voici + [Noun]. Example: Voici mon chien (Here is my dog).
3. 3For pronouns, put the pronoun first: [Pronoun] + Voici. Example: Me voici (Here I am).
4. 4Use voici for things close to you. Think of it as "right here."
5. 5Use voilà for things further away. Think of it as "over there."
6. 6If you are pointing at "it" (le/la) or "them" (les), they also go first. Example: Le voilà (There he/it is).

Use these words whenever you are physically showing something.

• In a restaurant: Voici votre café (Here is your coffee).
• Finding your keys: Les voilà ! (There they are!).
• Introducing someone: Voici mon ami, Marc (Here is my friend, Marc).
• Finishing a job: Et voilà ! (And there it is/Done!).
• Arriving at a destination: Nous voici à Paris (Here we are in Paris).

It is perfect for moments when you are handing something to someone. It feels very active and helpful.

Do not use these words to just describe something's existence if you aren't pointing. If you are just saying "There is a cat in the garden" but you can't see it, use il y a. Also, do not use them with actual verbs like être. You would never say Voici est mon ami. That is a major grammar traffic jam! Just say Voici mon ami. Keep it simple. Also, avoid using them for long, complex stories. They are meant for the "here and now."

Even native speakers might slip up, but you can be better! The biggest mistake is putting the pronoun after the word. People often say Voici moi, but it must be Me voici. Think of the pronoun as a tiny shield protecting the word. Another mistake is using voici for everything. In modern French, people use voilà about 90% of the time. If you use voici for something far away, it sounds a bit silly. It is like pointing at your shoes while talking about the moon.

You might confuse this with C'est. Use C'est to identify what something is. Use Voici to show where it is or to hand it over.

• C'est un livre = It is a book (Definition).
• Voici le livre = Here is the book (Action/Showing).

Think of C'est as a label and Voici as a presentation.