Translation guide
An interjection used to express mild reproach, disbelief, encouragement, or to draw attention. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends heavily on the speaker's intent, relationship, and context.
Expressing gentle scolding, disbelief, or urging someone to be reasonable, similar to 'come on' or 'oh, come now'.
A common, gentle way to calm someone down or express mild reproach. Often used to soothe or to say 'now, now'.
Come now, don't be so angry.
Casual, often used among friends or in informal situations to express surprise or mild reproach. Can sound a bit rough.
Come now, you're joking, right?
Literally 'a little', but used as an interjection to express mild objection or to call someone out. Can be used to say 'hey, come on'.
Come now, isn't that a bit harsh?
Encouraging someone to do something or to hurry up, similar to 'come on' or 'come now, let's go'.
Getting someone's attention to show them something or to prompt a response, like 'come now, look at this'.
The English phrase 'come now' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it literally as 来て今 (kite ima) would be nonsensical. Instead, choose an interjection based on the intended nuance and social context.
まあまあ is gentle and can be used in polite or soothing contexts, while おいおい is casual and can sound rough or surprised. Use まあまあ to calm someone down, and おいおい among close friends to express disbelief.
Come now, hurry up!