놀러 와
nolleo wa
The English phrase 'come over' can be translated into Korean as 놀러 와 (nolleo wa).
In Korean, this phrase is specifically used for social visits, such as inviting a friend to your house to hang out, rather than a functional visit like 'come over to fix my computer'.
Meaning: to get to a place (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of 놀다 (to play/hang out) and 오다 (to come).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 놀러 와 is a friendly and common way to say 'come over' in Korean, translating to 'Come to play.' Adding 요 to the end makes the phrase polite and suitable for people you are not close with or who are older than you, as in 놀러 와요. Using the –세요 ending makes the invitation sound more respectful and formal than the default form, as in 놀러 오세요. The phrase 방문해 주세요 is a polite and appropriate way to say 'come over' in formal settings, literally translating to 'Please visit.' The phrase 집에 와 is a natural, casual expression that literally means 'Come to my house.'
How do you pronounce it?
nolleo wa
Did you know?
- The verb 놀다 in 놀러 와 is used for adults just as much as children. While it translates to 'play', for adults it refers to any leisure activity from drinking at a bar to chatting over coffee.
- If you invite someone with 놀러 와, it is common for the guest to bring a small gift, such as fruit or dessert, even for a casual hangout.
- In some contexts, the phrase 놀다 can be used as slang to describe someone who is unemployed or idling their time away.
Examples in context
- 회사에 방문해 주세요.Please come to the office.
- 집에 놀러 와.Come over to my house.
- 저녁에 집에 와.Come over to my house for dinner.
- 언제든지 놀러 와.eonjedeunji nolleo wa.Come over anytime.
- 내일 꼭 놀러 와.naeil kkok nolleo wa.Make sure to come over tomorrow.
Example conversation
Minji calls Minjun to invite him to her new apartment.
- 민지 Min-ji민준아, 우리 집에 놀러 와.Minjun-a, uri jibe nolleo wa.Minjun, come over to my house.
- 민준 Min-jun정말? 언제 갈까?jeongmal? eonje galkka?Really? When should I go?
- 민지 Min-ji이번 주말에 놀러 와.ibeon jumare nolleo wa.Come over this weekend.
- 민준 Min-jun좋아, 토요일에 갈게.joa, toyoire galge.Okay, I'll go on Saturday.
