Vem cá
To say "come here" in Portuguese, you use Vem cá.
Vem cá is frequently used as an attention-grabber to start a conversation, similar to saying "Hey" or "Listen" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase Vem cá, vem is the imperative form of vir (to come) and cá means "here" (referring to the speaker's location).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Rio de Janeiro, Vem cá, meu bem is commonly used and adds an affectionate tone. In São Paulo, Vem pra cá, rápido is used to emphasize urgency. In the Northeast Region of Brazil, Vem cá, meu fio is used as an endearing way to get someone's attention, while Vem aqui, meu rei is used as a friendly way to call someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
Venha cá is the more formal or polite version of Vem cá, used when addressing someone with você or in more respectful settings.
Did you know?
- In some Brazilian contexts, Vem cá can be used rhetorically to challenge someone's logic, similar to saying 'Wait a minute' in English.
- Portuguese has two words for 'here', and cá is specifically used to refer to the speaker's exact location, whereas aqui can be more general.
- The word cá can be traced back to the Vulgar Latin *eccum hāc, a phrase used to point out things that are present.
Examples in context
- Vem cá e ajuda-me.Come here and help me.This sentence shows how to use Vem cá when asking for help.Tatoeba #1834240 by alexmarcelo, translation #61596 by CK
- Vem cá! Quero falar com você.Come here! I want to talk to you.This sentence shows using Vem cá to initiate a conversation.Tatoeba #5889695 by Ricardo14, translation #5898056 by tvindy
- Vem cá, Emília! O teu pai está te esperando!Come here Emilia! Your father is waiting for you!This sentence demonstrates using Vem cá when calling someone by name.Tatoeba #2595599 by alexmarcelo, translation #853130 by piksea
- Venha aqui, por favor.Come here, please.
- Por favor, venha cá imediatamente.Please come here immediately.
- Vem cá, tenho algo para te mostrar.Come here, I have something to show you.
- Vem pra cá agora mesmo!Come here right now!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a living room, Camila is looking for her phone.
- CamilaRodrigo, vem cá um segundo.Rodrigo, come here for a second.
- RodrigoO que foi, Camila?What is it, Camila?
- CamilaVocê viu o meu celular?Did you see my cell phone?
- RodrigoAcho que está no sofá.I think it is on the sofa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cá, vem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
