来る
To come
Structure
Explanation
Along with する, 来る is one of the two main irregular verbs in Japanese, meaning it doesn't follow the typical conjugation patterns of Godan or Ichidan verbs. Its basic meaning is 'to come'.
- 彼も会議に来るの？Is he coming to the meeting too?
- 友達が日本に遊びに来ます。My friend is coming to Japan to visit.
The particle に or へ is used to mark the destination that someone will come to.
The verb 来る is classified as a か-line irregular verb because its conjugation is unique. The final る is removed, and the remaining kanji 来 changes its reading depending on the form. This behavior mixes characteristics of both る-Verbs (dropping る) and う-Verbs (the stem changing). Notice how the reading of 来る shifts in different forms.
（き）た, （く）る, （こ）ない.
来る is frequently seen as 来ている to describe a situation where someone has arrived at a location and is still there. The ている form indicates a resulting state, which is different from the simple progressive '-ing' in English. Consequently, 来ている can mean that someone 'is currently at a place (having come)' or that they 'are on their way'.
- 今、公園に来ている。I'm at the park right now. (I have come to the park)
- 田中さんはもう空港に来ている？Is Tanaka-san coming to the airport yet? (Is he on his way?)
Without additional information, the distinction between these two meanings may be unclear from the sentence alone.
Caution
When used to mean that someone is at a location, 来ている is typically reserved for places one visits temporarily. Therefore, it is generally not used when referring to one's own home or primary workplace.
Examples
先生は教室にくる。
The teacher will come to the classroom.
電車がくる。
The train is coming.
自転車できます。
I will come by bicycle.
お兄さんもきますか。
Will your older brother come too?
来週きます。
I will come next week.
事務所にきます。
I will come to the office.
お父さんもパーティーにくる。
My dad will also come to the party.
彼女は飛行機できます。
She will come by airplane.
家族ときます。
I will come with my family.
鈴木さんもくるんです。
Suzuki-san will also come.
彼女はくるでしょう。
She will come, right?
何曜日にきますか。
What day of the week will you come?