Nuance & Usage
来る is one of only two irregular verbs in Japanese (the other being する). It describes movement toward the speaker's location — the opposite of 行く (iku — to go). Its conjugation is highly irregular: 来ます (kimasu), 来た (kita), 来ない (konai), 来て (kite). The phrase 来てください (kite kudasai — please come) is essential for invitations. In casual speech, 来る also appears in ~てくる (te kuru) to express actions coming toward you or changes approaching.
Common Mistakes
The biggest challenge is its irregular conjugation — the kanji 来 is read as く (ku), き (ki), or こ (ko) depending on the form: 来る (kuru), 来ます (kimasu), 来ない (konai). Learners often regularize these. Also, remember: 来る describes movement toward the speaker. If you're at home inviting someone, use 来てください, not 行ってください.
Example Sentences (3)
明日、うちに来ませんか？
あした、うちにきませんか？
Would you like to come to my house tomorrow?
バスがなかなか来ません。
ばすがなかなかきません。
The bus just won't come.
日本に来てから三か月です。
にほんにきてからさんかげつです。
It's been three months since I came to Japan.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N54 questionsTest your knowledge of 来る with 4 different question types.
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