In Japanese, the verb kuru (くる) directly translates to "to come." It is one of the most fundamental and frequently used verbs in the language.
Understanding Kuru (くる)
Kuru is essential for expressing movement towards the speaker or a specific point. Its usage is crucial for daily conversations and understanding directions.
An Irregular Verb
One key aspect of kuru is that it is classified as an irregular verb in Japanese. There are only two truly irregular verbs in Japanese: kuru (to come) and suru (する), meaning "to do." Unlike regular verbs that follow predictable conjugation patterns, irregular verbs have unique forms that must be memorized.
This irregularity means its various forms (e.g., polite, negative, past tense) do not follow the standard rules. For learners, understanding and practicing kuru's conjugations is a foundational step in mastering Japanese.
Common Conjugations and Examples
To illustrate its unique nature, here's a look at some common conjugations of kuru:
| Form Type | Japanese (Hiragana) | Romaji | English Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain | くる | kuru | to come | 友達がくる。 (Tomodachi ga kuru.) - A friend comes. |
| Polite | きます | kimasu | come (polite) | 明日、学校に来ます。 (Ashita, gakkou ni kimasu.) - I will come to school tomorrow. |
| Negative | こない | konai | won't come, doesn't come | 彼はパーティーに来ない。 (Kare wa paatii ni konai.) - He won't come to the party. |
| Te-form | きて | kite | coming, come and | ここに来てください。 (Koko ni kite kudasai.) - Please come here. |
| Past | きた | kita | came | 昨日、彼が来た。 (Kinou, kare ga kita.) - He came yesterday. |
| Potential | こられる | korareru | can come | いつでも来られますよ。 (Itsudemo koraremasu yo.) - You can come anytime. |
For a more comprehensive understanding of Japanese verb conjugation, including irregular verbs, you can refer to resources like Tofugu's guide on Japanese verbs.
Practical Usage of Kuru
Kuru is used in various contexts, from simple statements of arrival to more complex expressions involving time and direction.
- Expressing arrival:
- 電車が来た。(Densha ga kita.) - The train has arrived/come.
- Indicating movement towards the speaker:
- こちらへ来てください。(Kochira e kite kudasai.) - Please come this way.
- In conjunction with other verbs:
- 持ってくる (motte kuru) - to bring (literally "hold and come")
- 連れてくる (tsurete kuru) - to bring (a person or animal)
Understanding kuru and its irregular nature is a fundamental step in building proficiency in Japanese, enabling learners to express movement and arrival accurately in various situations.
