When visiting or living in Japan, it’s important to familiarize yourself with common phrases to communicate effectively. Knowing how to say “come” can be particularly useful in various situations, whether you’re inviting someone in your home, encouraging them to join an activity, or simply asking them to approach you. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express “come” in Japanese, along with tips, examples, and regional variations you might encounter along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Come”
When you need to use a more polite and respectful tone, these formal expressions for “come” will come in handy:
- おいでください (Oide kudasai): This is a polite and common way to invite someone to come. It’s often used in formal situations or when addressing someone of higher social status.
- いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase): Although primarily used as a greeting for customers entering a shop or restaurant, this phrase can also be employed to welcome someone into your home or any formal setting.
- お越しください (Okoshi kudasai): When you want to politely ask someone to come to a specific place or event, this phrase works well. It can be used in formal invitations or official settings.
- 参加してください (Sanka shite kudasai): This expression is ideal when you want someone to join an activity or participate in an event. It implies both the act of coming and actively taking part.
Tips:
- When using these formal phrases, always remember to show respect and politeness by using honorific language appropriate for the situation.
- Accompany your invitation with a smile and a slight bow to further emphasize your sincerity and politeness.
Examples:
A: おいでください。(Oide kudasai.)
B: ありがとうございます。 (Arigatou gozaimasu.)
A: いらっしゃいませ。(Irasshaimase.)
A: お越しください。(Okoshi kudasai.)
B: はい、行きます。(Hai, ikimasu.)
A: 参加してください。(Sanka shite kudasai.)
B: それは楽しそうですね。 (Sore wa tanoshisou desu ne.)
Informal Ways to Say “Come”
In casual or informal settings, such as among friends and family, you can use these less formal expressions to invite someone to come:
- 来て (Kite): This is a simple and commonly used way to informally ask someone to come. It’s often used between friends and acquaintances in casual situations.
- おいで (Oide): Similar to “kite,” this phrase is slightly more polite and can be used to invite someone you have a closer relationship with, like a family member or close friend.
- 行こう (Ikou): When you want to suggest going somewhere together, “ikou” is the perfect phrase. It implies the invitation to come along and join you on an activity.
Tips:
- Be aware of your relationship with the person you’re addressing, as the choice between “kite” and “oide” can subtly affect the level of politeness and familiarity.
- When using these informal phrases, make sure to adjust your level of politeness to match the situation and the person you are speaking to.
Examples:
A: 来てよ。(Kite yo.)
B: わかった、今行く。(Wakatta, ima iku.)
A: おいで。(Oide.)
B: もう少し待って。(Mou sukoshi matte.)
A: 行こう。(Ikou.)
B: いいね、どこに行くの？ (Ii ne, doko ni iku no?)
Regional Variations
Japan consists of different regions with unique dialects and variations in language. While the previously mentioned phrases are understood throughout Japan, you might come across some regional variations. Here are a few examples:
- こい (Koi): This variation is commonly used in the Kansai region (including cities like Osaka and Kyoto) instead of “kite.”
- よいで (Yoide): In certain parts of Kyushu (southernmost island of Japan), “yoide” is used instead of “oide.”
- 行ってみい (Ittemii): This form is more prevalent in parts of Tohoku (northern Japan) and is used instead of “ikou.”
Tips:
- If you are unsure about the appropriate phrase to use in a specific region, it’s best to stick to the commonly understood expressions mentioned earlier.
- Don’t worry too much about regional variations unless you are living or spending an extended period in a specific region.
Examples:
A: こいよ。(Koi yo.)
B: ほんまや、行くわ。(Honmayo, iku wa.)
A: よいで。(Yoide.)
B: おおきに、ただいま。(Ookini, tadaima.)
A: 行ってみい。(Ittemii.)
B: 寒くなければ、行ってみるね。(Samukunakereba, itte miru ne.)
Conclusion
Now armed with these various ways to say “come” in Japan, you can confidently invite others to join you in different situations, be it in formal settings or casual contexts. Remember to always consider the appropriate level of politeness and familiarity based on the relationship and the environment. While regional variations exist, it’s generally safe to rely on the standard phrases we covered. Enjoy your interactions and make the most out of your time in Japan!
