Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “come” in Korean. In this article, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this keyword, as well as provide useful tips, examples, and variations. Whether you’re a beginner in Korean or looking to enhance your language skills, this guide will help you master the different ways to say “come” in Korean.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Come” in Korean
1. 가세요 (Ga-se-yo)
When you want to politely ask someone to come, use “가세요” in formal situations. This phrase is used when addressing someone older or in a higher position than you, or when speaking to someone you are not familiar with.
Example:
선생님, 교실로 가세요. (Seon-saeng-nim, gyo-shil-lo ga-se-yo.)
Teacher, please come to the classroom.
2. 와 주세요 (Wa-ju-se-yo)
“와 주세요” is used to politely invite someone to come. This phrase is appropriate when extending an invitation to someone you respect or want to show politeness towards.
Example:
저녁식사에 와 주세요. (Jeonyeok-sik-sae wa-ju-se-yo.)
Please come for dinner.
3. 찾아와 주세요 (Cha-ja-wa ju-se-yo)
If you want to politely ask someone to come and find you or come to your location, use “찾아와 주세요”. This phrase is commonly used when requesting someone to come to your office, home, or another specific place.
Example:
사무실로 찾아와 주세요. (Sa-mu-sil-lo cha-ja-wa ju-se-yo.)
Please come to the office.
Informal Ways to Say “Come” in Korean
1. 와 (Wa)
In informal settings, “와” is commonly used to tell someone to come. This is suitable for casual interactions with friends, siblings, or people of similar age.
Example:
친구랑 영화 보러 와. (Chin-gu-rang yeong-hwa bo-reo wa.)
Come watch a movie with friends.
2. 와라 (Wa-ra)
When you want to invite someone informally or give a command to come, use “와라”. This expression is often used among close friends or when addressing someone younger than you.
Example:
형은 여기 와라. (Hyeong-eun yeo-gi wa-ra.)
Come here, older brother.
3. 와봐 (Wa-bwa)
“와봐” is an informal way to request someone to come and check something out. This expression is used as an invitation and is commonly heard among friends having fun or exploring something new.
Example:
여기 놀이공원 와봐. (Yeo-gi nor-i-gong-won wa-bwa.)
Come to this amusement park.
Tips and Additional Information
1. Non-Verbal Gestures:
Remember that in Korean culture, non-verbal gestures play a significant role in communication. So, using appropriate body language and gestures to complement your words can enhance the effectiveness of your invitation or request to come.
2. Politeness:
When in doubt, it’s always safer to lean towards more formal expressions, especially when addressing someone older or in a professional setting. Koreans highly value politeness and respect, so using the appropriate level of formality is crucial.
3. Wording Variation:
Due to the context or the relationship between individuals, there might be slight variations in the way “come” is expressed. However, the phrases mentioned in this guide cover the most common and widely used terms for “come” in Korean.
4. Pronunciation:
Pay attention to the pronunciation of each phrase and practice speaking them out loud. This will help you become familiar with the sounds and tones in Korean, leading to better fluency over time.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned various ways to say “come” in Korean, both formally and informally. Remember to use “가세요” or “와 주세요” when speaking in a formal setting, and “와” or “와라” in informal situations. Additionally, “찾아와 주세요” is used to specifically request someone to come to your location. By incorporating these phrases into your Korean vocabulary, you will be able to confidently invite or request someone to come in different social scenarios. Keep practicing, and enjoy exploring the Korean language and culture!
