Processing keyword: Noun に 来ます (ni kimasu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun に 来ます (ni kimasu)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar point 「Noun に 来ます」 (Noun ni kimasu), which is used to indicate coming to a place or for a specific purpose. This structure is fundamental in everyday Japanese conversation, especially when discussing movement or travel.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

「Noun に 来ます」 is a basic sentence pattern used to express the action of coming to a place or for a purpose. The particle に (ni) serves as a marker indicating the destination or the purpose of the action.

Meaning

• Noun に 来ます: "Come to [Noun]" or "Come for [Noun]"

Structure

The structure can be broken down into:

• [Place] に 来ます: Indicates coming to a place.
• [Purpose] に 来ます: Indicates coming for a purpose (often using verb stem + に).

Formation Diagram

[Destination/Purpose] に 来ます
        │          │     │
       Noun       に    来ます (kimasu)

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• Noun に 行きます (Noun ni ikimasu): "Go to [Noun]"
• Noun へ 来ます (Noun e kimasu): Also means "Come to [Noun]," but へ emphasizes direction rather than destination. Difference Between に and へ:
• に (ni): Emphasizes the destination or purpose.
• へ (e): Emphasizes the direction toward the destination.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 学校に来ます。
   • Gakkō ni kimasu.
   • "I come to school."
2. 日本に来ました。
   • Nihon ni kimashita.
   • "I came to Japan."
3. 友達の家に来ます。
   • Tomodachi no ie ni kimasu.
   • "I come to my friend's house."
4. 映画を観に来ます。
   • Eiga o mi ni kimasu.
   • "I come to watch a movie."
5. 会議に来てください。
   • Kaigi ni kite kudasai.
   • "Please come to the meeting."

Contextual Usage

• Formal Setting:
  • 社長がオフィスに来ます。
    • Shachō ga ofisu ni kimasu.
    • "The president will come to the office."
• Informal Setting:
  • 遊びに来てね。
    • Asobi ni kite ne.
    • "Come hang out!"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, notifying someone about your movement, especially when visiting, is considered polite. Using 「に 来ます」 appropriately reflects respect for others' time and space.

Levels of Politeness

• Casual:
  • 今から行くよ。 (Ima kara iku yo.) - "I'm coming over now."
• Polite:
  • これからそちらに伺います。 (Kore kara sochira ni ukagaimasu.) - "I will come over now." (Using humble form)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 顔を出しに来ます。
  • Kao o dashi ni kimasu.
  • "I will drop by." (Literally, "I will come to show my face.")

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Wrong Particle:
   • Incorrect: 学校へ来ます。 (Gakkō e kimasu.)
     • While grammatically correct, へ emphasizes direction, not destination.
   • Correct: 学校に来ます。 (Gakkō ni kimasu.)
     • に specifies the destination.
2. Confusing 行きます and 来ます:
   • 行きます (ikimasu) means "to go" (away from the speaker's current location).
   • 来ます (kimasu) means "to come" (toward the speaker's current location or the listener).

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device for に:
  • Think of に as pointing "into" a location: "I come into (に) the place."
• Remembering 来ます (kimasu):
  • Associate 来 with "come" since both start with a "k" sound.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 「Noun に 来ます」 is used to express coming to a place or for a purpose.
• The particle に marks the destination or purpose.
• Be mindful of the particles に and へ, and verbs 来ます and 行きます.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I will come to the party" in Japanese?
   • Answer: パーティーに来ます。(Pātī ni kimasu.)
2. What particle is used to indicate the destination when using 来ます?
   • Answer: に (ni)
3. Translate to English: 先生が教室に来ます。
   • Answer: "The teacher comes to the classroom."

Feel free to review this lesson and practice using 「Noun に 来ます」 in your own sentences to enhance your understanding!