here or here?

I learned that there are two Spanish words for "here" - aqui and aca. While recently visiting with a friend from Mexico, I noticed that he never used the word "aqui," and when I used it in conversation (as in "aqui en mi casa" or " aqui en mi pais"), he answered using "aca". I thought they were equivalent. Am I missing some subtle difference? :?

One of my grammar books (Spanish Grammar-Oxford University Press) says that both are used, but that acá is less common here in Spain, but *must be used following más.* Also that acá replaces aquí in many parts of Latin America. I have never heard acá used here in Spain; aquí is used all the time. However I am a relative newcomer. The other grammar book (Búscalo! - John Wiley and Sons) says that aquí means _*right here,*_ where the speaker is. Acá is used for a less precise location in the vicinity of the speaker, and is normally used after verbs indicating movement towards the speaker. _*Aquí *_está el libro que buscaba - _*Here *_is the book I was looking for Cuidado con ese caballo! Hazte para _*acá*_! -Watch out for that horse! Move over _*here (this way).*_ Alan

Alan, thank you. That explains a lot. I learned most of my Spanish in school, and it is therefore Castillian, or "Spain" Spanish. But most of the Spanish-speaking people I come in contact with are Latin Americans, so there are some differences. Since my friend is Mexican, that is why he used "aca." I still have much to learn, and I appreciate your help!