到这里来
dào zhèlǐ lái
To say 'come over here' in Chinese, the default form is 到这里来 (dào zhèlǐ lái).
The phrase is used to request or command someone to move from their current location to the speaker's location. Depending on the speaker's tone and the context, 到这里来 can function as either a neutral request or a direct command. The shorter term 过来 means 'come over' and is a more general way to say it without necessarily emphasizing the specific destination of 'here'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 到这里来 is composed of 到 (to/arrive), 这里 (here) and 来 (come).
Which one should you use?
While 到这里来 specifies a destination (here), the term 过来 is a more general way to say 'come over' without necessarily emphasizing the specific spot 'here'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In northern China, particularly in Beijing, the word 这里 is frequently replaced by 这儿 in spoken language, making 到这儿来 a colloquial version.
How do you pronounce it?
dào zhèlǐ lái
Did you know?
- The word 来 (come) is often used in Chinese to mean 'I will do it' or 'let me handle this', such as when someone says 我来 (I'll come) to offer help with a heavy bag.
- In some contexts, calling someone to 过来 (come over) while using a specific finger-curling gesture can be seen as commanding or condescending, similar to how it is perceived in parts of the West.
- While 到这里来 is a standard way to say 'come here', if you are calling a pet or a child, you might simply use a single syllable like 来 (lái) with an elongated tone.
Examples in context
- 请过来看一下这个文件。Please come over and take a look at this document.
- 请到这里来参加会议。Please come over here to attend the meeting.
- 快过来看这个好笑的视频。Come quickly and watch this funny video.
- 过来一下，我有好消息告诉你。Come over for a moment. I have good news to tell you.
- 请到这里来。Qǐng dào zhèlǐ lái.Please come over here.
- 你快到这里来！Nǐ kuài dào zhèlǐ lái!Come over here quickly!
- 孩子，到这里来。Háizi, dào zhèlǐ lái.Child, come over here.
Example conversation
A man is calling a woman to show her something in a shop.
- 志强 Zhiqiang梓涵，你快到这里来。Zǐhán, nǐ kuài dào zhèlǐ lái.Zihan, come over here quickly.
- 梓涵 Zihan怎么了？Zěnme le?What's wrong?
- 志强 Zhiqiang你看这个漂亮的裙子。Nǐ kàn zhège piàoliang de qúnzi.Look at this beautiful dress.
- 梓涵 Zihan真的很好看！Zhēnde hěn hǎokàn!It really is beautiful!
