Basic Meaning
The verb 来る (くる) primarily means "to come," indicating movement toward the speaker or a specified location. It is one of the most common verbs in Japanese and appears frequently in daily conversation.
Usage in Time and Events
来る can also express the arrival of time periods or events, such as seasons or holidays, e.g., 春が来る (spring comes). This usage is common in both spoken and written Japanese.
Emotional or Abstract Arrival
Beyond physical movement, 来る can describe the onset of feelings or states, like 怒りが来る (anger comes). This figurative use helps express sudden changes in mood or condition.
Common Collocations and Patterns
- 来る人 (くるひと): "the person who comes" — used to talk about visitors or arrivals.
- 来る日 (くるひ): "the coming day" — often used to refer to a future date.
- 来る〜 (くる〜): used with time expressions to indicate "the next ~" or "upcoming ~".
Register and Politeness
来る is a plain form verb. In polite speech, 来ます (きます) is used. It is essential to use the correct form depending on the context.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 来る with 行く (いく, "to go"). Remember, 来る implies movement toward the speaker or a reference point, while 行く implies movement away from it. Context is key to choosing the correct verb.