過嚟
gwo3 lai4
The English phrase "come here" is translated into Cantonese as 過嚟 (gwo3 lai4).
This phrase is a request or command for someone to move toward the speaker's current location. It is often used as a standalone imperative, but it can also be preceded by a person's name or a pronoun to specify who should come.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 過 (gwo3), meaning "to pass" or "to cross" and 嚟 (lai4), meaning "to come".
Which one should you use?
While 過嚟 (gwo3 lai4) is used when the speaker is stationary and the listener is moving toward them, 過去 (gwo3 heoi3) would be used to tell someone to "go over there" (moving away from the speaker).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Adding the sentence-final particle 呀 (aa3) at the end of 過嚟 makes the command sound softer and more like a friendly request rather than a blunt order, creating 過嚟呀.
How do you pronounce it?
gwo3 lai4
Did you know?
- While an English speaker might curl their index finger to beckon someone, a Cantonese speaker using 過嚟 will instead extend their palm and sweep their fingers toward themselves.
- Using 過嚟 with a specific stern tone can function as a summons for a reprimand, similar to telling a student to 'come to the principal's office'.
- The word 過 in 過嚟 also forms the basis for words meaning 'surpassing' or 'transgressing' a limit.
Examples in context
- 過嚟！Come here!This example shows how to use 過嚟 as a direct command.Tatoeba #5735125 by nickyeow, translation #5295840 by KatKoba
- 請過嚟一下 (cing2 gwo3 lei4 jat1 haa6)Please come here for a moment.
- 你過嚟我呢度。nei5 gwo3 lai4 ngo5 ni1 dou6.You come here to me.
- 細路，快啲過嚟。sai3 lou4, faai3 di1 gwo3 lai4.Child, come here quickly.
Example conversation
A father calling his daughter over to show her something.
- 志強 Chi Keung曉彤，你過嚟睇吓。hiu2 tung4, nei5 gwo3 lai4 tai2 haa5.Hiu Tung, come here and look.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung有咩事呀，爸爸？jau5 me1 si6 aa3, baa1 baa2?What is it, Dad?
- 志強 Chi Keung呢度有一隻貓。ni1 dou6 jau5 jat1 zek3 maau1.There is a cat here.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung佢好可愛呀！keoi5 hou2 ho2 oi3 aa3!It is so cute!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
