viens ici
The English phrase 'come over here' can be translated into French as viens ici.
This phrase is used as a request or command for someone to move from their current location to where the speaker is.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative of venir (to come) and the adverb ici (here).
Which one should you use?
viens ici is the standard way to express the movement toward the speaker. For added emphasis on the movement towards you, you can use the formal phrase Venez par ici.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use viens ici for a single person in informal situations. The phrase changes from viens ici to venez ici when addressing more than one person or when using the formal vous form.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to translate the 'over' in 'come over here' by adding a preposition, but viens ici is the standard way to express the movement toward the speaker.
Did you know?
- In very informal French, the phrase viens là is frequently used instead of viens ici to mean 'come here'.
- In many French-speaking regions, such as parts of Quebec, you might hear people use viens donc ici to make the command sound more natural or rhythmic. The word donc adds no 'therefore' meaning here, but serves as a linguistic filler.
- The word ici originates from the Late Latin phrase ecce hīc, which combines a word for 'behold' and a word for 'here'.
Examples in context
- Viens ici et assieds-toi.Come over here and sit down.This sentence is useful for practicing the command viens ici alongside another instruction.Tatoeba #3483177 by Lulantis, translation #5146859 by AlanF_US
- Viens ici et joins-toi à nous.Come over here and join us.This sentence is useful for practicing the command viens ici in a social context.Tatoeba #1339209 by sacredceltic, translation #61465 by CK
- Ne reste pas là comme ça. Viens ici et aide-moi.Don't just stand there. Come over here and help me.This sentence is useful for practicing the command viens ici within a larger sentence.Tatoeba #11156049 by lbdx, translation #3162173 by CK
- Viens ici et regarde ce que j'ai trouvé !Come over here and look at what I found!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé calls Nathan to show him something in the garden.
- ChloéNathan, viens ici un instant.Nathan, come over here for a second.
- NathanQu'est-ce qu'il y a, Chloé ?What is it, Chloé?
- ChloéRegarde cette jolie fleur.Look at this pretty flower.
- NathanElle est magnifique !It is magnificent!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ici, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
