Translation guide
The English verb 'to come' covers movement toward the speaker, arrival, and many idiomatic uses. In Japanese, the core verb is 来る (くる), but natural expression often depends on context, politeness, and whether the movement is toward the speaker or someone else.
Expressing that someone or something moves to where the speaker is or will be.
The standard verb for 'to come'. Use when the subject moves toward the speaker's location or the speaker's perspective.
A friend is coming to my house.
Please come to school tomorrow.
Honorific form of 来る. Use when the subject is someone you respect (e.g., a teacher, boss, customer).
The teacher came to the classroom.
Humble form of 来る. Use when you or your in-group come to a place associated with someone of higher status.
I will come to your office tomorrow.
Emphasizes the process of coming, often with a sense of 'turning up' or 'arriving' after some effort or time.
He suddenly showed up.
Focusing on the act of arriving rather than the movement itself.
Expressing that someone comes together with the speaker or another person.
Expressing the purpose of coming, often with 'to' + verb in English.
Expressing where someone or something originates.
Expressing a change of state, often translated as 'become' or 'get'.
Attach to dictionary form of verb to express 'come to do' or 'reach the point where'. Indicates a gradual change.
I've come to be able to speak Japanese.
He has come to work late.
Attach to te-form of verb to indicate a change that has been occurring up to now or will occur in the future.
I've come to understand gradually.
Expressing that an idea or thought comes to someone.
Expressing that an event or time comes.
English often uses 'come' where Japanese uses other verbs. For example, 'come with me' is 一緒に来る, but 'come along' as in 'bring' is 持って来る. Also, 'come' in 'come to understand' is not 来る but 〜ようになる or 〜てくる.
When talking about someone of higher status coming, use いらっしゃる instead of 来る. When you yourself go to a superior's place, use 参る. In casual settings, 来る is fine.
犬が付いて来た。
The dog came along (followed me).
出身はどこですか。
Where do you come from?
It will come to be cold from now on.
That name doesn't come to mind.