过来
guòlái
The English phrase "come here" is translated into Chinese as 过来 (guòlái).
过来 is used as a request or command for someone to move from their current location toward the speaker. In many contexts, it can function as a standalone command meaning "come here" without the need for a subject.
Which one should you use?
While 过来 (guòlái) means to come toward the speaker, the phrase 过去 (guòqù) means to go away from the speaker toward another location.
How do you pronounce it?
guòlái
Did you know?
- The word 过来 can be used figuratively to mean recovering consciousness or returning to a normal state of mind after a shock.
- In many parts of China, people use a cupped hand gesture to signal 过来 instead of pointing, as pointing with a single finger can be seen as rude or aggressive.
- The character 过 in 过来 originally referred to crossing a river or passing a boundary, reflecting an ancient focus on transit.
Examples in context
- 我不敢相信你父母让你自己过来。I can't believe your parents let you come here by yourself.This sentence shows how to use 过来 to describe someone coming to a location by themselves.Tatoeba #5670781 by verdastelo9604, translation #2301951 by CK
- 别过来！Don't come here!This sentence demonstrates how to use 过来 in a negative command.Tatoeba #10484429 by BobbyLee, translation #10475223 by francaisr0wlet
- 小明：过来一下。Ming: Come here for a moment.
- 妈妈：过来一下！Mom: Come here for a moment!
- 妈妈：小明，过来。Mom: Xiao Ming, come here.
- 志强，你快过来一下。Zhìqiáng, nǐ kuài guòlái yīxià.Zhiqiang, come over here quickly.
Example conversation
At a busy coffee shop, a friend calls out to another.
- 志强 Zhiqiang佳怡，你过来！Jiāyí, nǐ guòlái!Jiayi, come here!
- 佳怡 Jiayi怎么了？我这就过来。Zěnme le? Wǒ zhè jiù guòlái.What's wrong? I'm coming over now.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你看这个。Nǐ kàn zhège.Look at this.
- 佳怡 Jiayi太漂亮了。Tài piàoliang le.It's so beautiful.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
