What does it mean word for word?
The term 이리 means "this way" or "to this side", while 와 is the informal imperative form of the verb 오다 (to come).
Which one should you use?
You can also use versions starting with 여기로 (to here) to specify the destination. 이리 와 and 여기로 와 both function as commands to move toward the speaker.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
It should only be used with close friends, younger people or children. If you need to be formal, use 여기로 오십시오 for a direct command or 여기로 와 주세요 to say "Please come here" in a formal way. For a middle ground that is informal yet polite, you can use 여기로 와요.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can soften a command by adding 봐 (from the verb 보다, meaning "to see") to the end, creating 이리 와 봐. This changes the tone to something like "Come here and see" or "Come over here for a second".
How do you pronounce it?
iri wa
Did you know?
- The word 이리 (this way) is a linguistic relative of the Evenki word иргичи (irgiçi), suggesting its roots may trace back to Tungusic languages.
- Using 이리 와 to a stranger or a social superior in Korea can be perceived as an aggressive or shocking act of rudeness.
- Korean has different words for 'here' depending on whether you are emphasizing the direction (이리) or the specific destination (여기).
Examples in context
- 야, 너! 이리 와 봐.Hey, you! Come here.This sentence shows how to use the phrase with the softening suffix 봐.Tatoeba #8729112 by Eunhee, translation #2592855 by WestofEden
- 강아지가 너무 귀여워, 이리 와.gang-a-ji-ga neo-mu gwi-yeo-wo, i-ri wa.The puppy is so cute, come here.
- 잠깐만, 이리 와 봐.jam-kkan-man, i-ri wa bwa.Wait a second, come here.
Example conversation
Subin is calling Hyunwoo to see something in her room.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우야, 이리 와!hyeon-u-ya, i-ri wa!Hyunwoo, come here!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo왜 불러, 수빈아?wae bul-leo, su-bin-a?Why are you calling me, Subin?
- 수빈 Su-bin이것 좀 봐.i-geot jom bwa.Look at this.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo우와, 정말 예쁘다!u-wa, jeong-mal ye-ppeu-da!Wow, it's really pretty!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 와, 이리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
