이리 와
iri wa
The English phrase "come here" is expressed in Korean as 이리 와 (iri wa).
이리 와 is an informal and playful way to tell someone to move toward you. You may also use the single word 와 as a common and informal way to tell a dog to "come here" in Korean.
Which one should you use?
Adding 봐 to the end to create 이리 와 봐 softens the command, making it sound more like "come here and see" or "come here for a second". You can also use 이쪽으로 to mean "this way".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more polite and formal way to say "Please come this way", use 이리로 오세요. Additionally, 와주세요 is an honorific form of the verb "to come".
How do you pronounce it?
iri wa
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, beckoning someone to 'come here' is often done with the palm facing down and fingers curling inward, rather than palm up.
- The word 이리 has possible linguistic roots in Tungusic languages, similar to the Evenki word 'irgiçi'.
- Using 와 to call a dog is common, but using it with a human who is older or of higher status is a significant social faux pas.
Examples in context
- 야, 너! 이리 와 봐.Hey, you! Come here.This sentence shows how to use the phrase 이리 와 in a casual context.Tatoeba #8729112 by Eunhee, translation #2592855 by WestofEden
- 이리 와, 친구야Come here, buddy.
- 강아지야, 이리 와.gang-aji-ya, iri wa.Puppy, come here.
- 지은아, 잠깐 이리 와.ji-eun-a, jam-kkan iri wa.Jieun, come here for a second.
Example conversation
Minjun calls Jieun to show her something on his phone.
- 민준 Min-jun지은아, 이리 와 봐.ji-eun-a, iri wa bwa.Jieun, come here.
- 지은 Ji-eun왜 그래, 민준아?wae geu-rae, min-jun-a?What is it, Minjun?
- 민준 Min-jun이 사진 좀 봐.i sa-jin jom bwa.Look at this photo.
- 지은 Ji-eun와, 진짜 예쁘다!wa, jin-jja 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.
