Which one should you use?
While chodź tutaj is a common way to say this, you might use przyjdź tutaj if you want to emphasize the arrival or the act of coming to a specific destination. Additionally, in casual speech, the word tutaj (here) can be omitted, leaving just chodź to mean "come".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual settings with friends, acquaintances or people of a similar age, you can use the informal Chodź tu. For more polite situations, it is better to use proszę podejść tutaj (please approach here) instead of the more blunt chodź tutaj. The most formal way to say "come here" is Proszę tu przyjść, which is used when addressing someone in a polite and respectful manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the command changes depending on who you are addressing. Use chodźcie tutaj when addressing more than one person. While chodź is the imperative for the second person (you), you should use niech przyjdzie tutaj to express a command for the third person (let him/her come here).
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The standard word for 'here', tutaj, is a linguistic oddity because it was shaped by its resemblance to the words for 'today' and 'yesterday'.
- In Poland, using the imperative chodź with a stranger or a superior can be perceived as an order given to a subordinate or a pet.
- While chodź is the standard command, Polish parents often use a high-pitched, repetitive version of the word to coax a toddler toward them. This melodic shift turns a blunt imperative into a gentle invitation.
Examples in context
- Chodź tutaj i pomóż mi.Come here and help me.This sentence shows how to use chodź tutaj to ask for assistance.Tatoeba #3686380 by Spodnie, translation #61596 by CK
- Proszę tu przyjść, potrzebujemy omówić najnowsze zmiany.Please come here, we need to discuss the latest changes.
- Chodź tu, muszę ci coś pokazać.Come here, I need to show you something.
- Chodź tu, zobacz jakie piękne kwiaty!Come here, look at these beautiful flowers!
- Chodź tutaj szybko!Come here quickly!
- Chodź tutaj, chcę ci coś pokazać.Come here, I want to show you something.
Example conversation
Paweł wants Małgorzata to see something in the garden.
- PawełMałgorzata, chodź tutaj!Małgorzata, come here!
- MałgorzataCo się stało, Pawle?What happened, Paweł?
- PawełZobacz ten piękny kwiat.Look at this beautiful flower.
- MałgorzataOch, jest naprawdę śliczny!Oh, it is really lovely!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (chodź, tutaj) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chodź, tutaj, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
