入嚟
jap6 lai4
To say 'come in' in Cantonese, use 入嚟 (jap6 lai4).
入嚟 is used when someone is entering a room or a building. You can make the phrase sound like a friendly or casual invitation to enter by adding the particle 啦 to the end, resulting in 入嚟啦.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 入 (enter) and the directional complement 嚟 (come).
Which one should you use?
While 入嚟 (jap6 lai4) means 'come in' (moving towards the speaker), 入去 (jap6 heoi3) means 'go in' (moving away from the speaker).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that someone has already entered, you insert the aspect particle 咗 between the verb and the directional complement.
How do you pronounce it?
jap6 lai4
Did you know?
- In the context of a shop or business, a staff member might avoid saying 入嚟 and instead use 歡迎光臨 to welcome a customer inside.
- Cantonese uses the word 入 to describe things that are not physically entering a room, such as 'entering' a new phase of life or a new year.
- Depending on the tone of the final particle, 入嚟啦 can shift from a warm invitation to a slightly impatient command to stop lingering at the door.
Examples in context
- 我睇住Tom入嚟。I saw Tom come in.This sentence shows the use of 入嚟 to describe someone entering.Tatoeba #10645906 by clowergen, translation #6777214 by CK
- 入嚟啦！Come in!This sentence demonstrates how to use 入嚟啦 as an invitation.Tatoeba #1324055 by nickyeow, translation #1037169 by GPHemsley
Example conversation
At the office, Chi Keung knocks on Mei Ling's door.
- 志強 Chi Keung美玲，可以入嚟嗎？Mei Ling, ho yi jap lai ma?Mei Ling, may I come in?
- 美玲 Mei Ling可以，請入嚟。Ho yi, cing jap lai.Yes, please come in.
- 志強 Chi Keung多謝妳。Do ze nei.Thank you.
- 美玲 Mei Ling唔使客氣。M sai haak hei.You're welcome.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
