ven aquí, niña
The English phrase "come here, girl" is translated into Spanish as ven aquí, niña.
This phrase is used as a direct command to get a young girl's attention or to move her toward the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
ven is the imperative (command) form of the irregular verb venir (to come), aquí means here and refers to the location of the speaker.
Which one should you use?
You may also use Ven aquí, chica or Ven para acá, chica to say "Come here, girl" or "Come over here, girl". If you were addressing a male child, you would change the noun to niño.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the informal tú command form, which is appropriate for addressing a child.
Did you know?
- If you are calling a female pet, like a dog, you would use ven aquí, chica or ven, bonita rather than niña.
- While niña means 'girl', in many Spanish-speaking cultures it is also used as a term of endearment for women of any age by a partner or parent.
- The word aquí is a linguistic fusion of two different Latin words: eccum meaning 'this' and hīc meaning 'here'.
Examples in context
- Ven aquí, chica, necesito tu ayudaCome here, girl, I need your help.
- ¡Ven aquí, chica, rápido!Come here, girl, quickly!
- Ven aquí, niña, para verte mejor.Come here, girl, so I can see you better.
- ¡Ven aquí, niña! No te alejes.Come here, girl! Don't wander off.
- Ven aquí, niña, tengo un regalo.Come here, girl, I have a gift.
Example conversation
Lucía is calling her daughter in the living room.
- LucíaVen aquí, niña, ayúdame con esto.Come here, girl, help me with this.
- DanielYa voy, mamá.I'm coming, mom.
- LucíaDate prisa, por favor.Hurry up, please.
- DanielAquí estoy, Lucía.I am here, Lucía.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aquí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
