vem cá
The English phrase "come here" is translated into Portuguese as vem cá.
Vem cá is an informal expression used to tell someone to move toward you. To invite someone to approach in a formal manner, you can use Aproxime-se, which comes from the verb meaning "to approach".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of vem, which is the imperative form of the verb vir (to come) and cá, an adverb meaning "here" (specifically referring to a location near the speaker).
Which one should you use?
Vem cá is used when addressing a single person in an informal context, while venham cá is used when addressing multiple people.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the expressions Aproxima-te or Aproxima-te mais (meaning "come closer") are commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
While vem cá is the informal imperative, the formal imperative form is venha cá. To address a group of people, use the plural imperative form venham cá.
Did you know?
- While vem cá is a simple request, in many Portuguese-speaking cultures, it is often accompanied by a specific hand gesture where the palm faces up and the fingers curl inward.
- The word cá is actually a descendant of the Vulgar Latin term eccum hāc, which was a way of pointing and saying 'behold, here'.
- The phrase vem cá can be used with a specific tone to express suspicion or skepticism, similar to how an English speaker might say 'come again?' when they don't believe something.
Examples in context
- Vem cá e ajuda-me.Come here and help me.This sentence shows how to use vem cá to ask 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 demonstrates using vem cá to signal a desire to speak with someone.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 shows how to use vem cá when calling out to someone by name.Tatoeba #2595599 by alexmarcelo, translation #853130 by piksea
- O senhor/a senhora poderia vir cá, por favor?Could you come here, please?
- Por favor, aproxime-se para podermos conversar.Please, come closer so we can talk.
- Vem cá, tenho uma surpresa para ti!Come here, I have a surprise for you!
- Chega aqui, quero te mostrar algo engraçado.Come here, I want to show you something funny.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Mariana are at home in the living room.
- RodrigoMariana, vem cá um instante.Mariana, come here for a moment.
- MarianaEstou a ir, Rodrigo.I'm coming, Rodrigo.
- RodrigoVem cá ver o que eu encontrei.Come here to see what I found.
- MarianaOnde é que está?Where is it?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cá, vem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
