Processing keyword: Verb に 来ます (Verb ni kimasu)
Japanese Grammar Point: Verb に 来ます (Verb ni kimasu)
1. Introduction
In Japanese, expressing the purpose of movement—such as coming or going somewhere to perform an action—is an essential grammatical structure. One common way to convey "coming to do something" is by using Verb に 来ます (Verb ni kimasu). This lesson will delve into how to use this grammar point effectively in various contexts.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
Verb に 来ます (Verb ni kimasu) is used to indicate that the speaker or someone else comes to a place to perform a specific action. It translates to "come to do [verb]" in English.
Structure
The structure combines the masu-stem of a verb with に来ます:
**[Verb (Masu-stem)] + に + 来ます**
- Verb (Masu-stem): The verb form without ます.
- に: Particle indicating purpose.
- 来ます: The verb "to come".
Formation Diagram
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Masu-form | Masu-stem (Remove ます) | Masu-stem + に来ます (来る) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 食べる (taberu) | 食べます | 食べ | 食べに来ます |
| 見る (miru) | 見ます | 見 | 見に来ます |
| 勉強する (benkyou suru) | 勉強します | 勉強し | 勉強しに来ます |
| 遊ぶ (asobu) | 遊びます | 遊び | 遊びに来ます |
3. Comparative Analysis
～に行きます vs. ～に来ます
- Verb に 行きます (Verb ni ikimasu): "Go to do [verb]".
- Verb に 来ます (Verb ni kimasu): "Come to do [verb]". Difference:
- 行きます (ikimasu) implies moving away from the current location.
- 来ます (kimasu) implies movement towards the speaker's current location or the location being discussed.
4. Examples in Context
Formal Speech
- 会議に参加しに来ました。
- Kaigi ni sanka shi ni kimashita.
- "I came to participate in the meeting."
- 新しいプロジェクトについて話し合いに来ました。
- Atarashii purojekuto ni tsuite hanashiai ni kimashita.
- "I came to discuss the new project."
Informal Speech
- 君に会いに来たよ。
- Kimi ni ai ni kita yo.
- "I came to see you."
- ゲームしに来ない？
- Geemu shi ni konai?
- "Want to come play games?"
Written Context
- 彼は研究資料を集めに来た。
- Kare wa kenkyuu shiryō o atsumeni kita.
- "He came to gather research materials."
- 多くの人々が祭りを楽しみに来ます。
- Ōku no hitobito ga matsuri o tanoshimi ni kimasu.
- "Many people come to enjoy the festival."
Spoken Conversation
- 手伝いに来ました。何かお手伝いできることはありますか？
- Tetsudai ni kimashita. Nani ka otetsudai dekiru koto wa arimasu ka?
- "I came to help. Is there anything I can assist with?"
- 昼ご飯を食べに来たんだけど、一緒にどう？
- Hirugohan o tabe ni kita n da kedo, issho ni dou?
- "I came to have lunch; would you like to join me?"
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Visiting Etiquette: In Japanese culture, informing someone of your purpose when visiting is considered polite.
- Group Orientation: Emphasizing actions done with or for others aligns with the collectivist nature of Japanese society.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 冷やかしに来る
- Hiyakashini kuru
- "To come to tease or window-shop without the intent to buy."
- 様子を見に来る
- Yōsu o mi ni kuru
- "To come to check on someone/something."
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Using the Dictionary Form Instead of Masu-stem
- Incorrect: 食べるに来ます。
- Correct: 食べに来ます。
- Confusing に with を
- Incorrect: 買い物を来ます。
- Correct: 買い物に来ます。
Tips
- Remember to Use Masu-stem: The verb before に must be in its masu-stem form.
- Purpose Particle に: Don't confuse に (purpose) with を (object marker).
- Verb Direction: Use 来ます (kimasu) when the movement is towards the speaker or the focal location.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- Verb に 来ます is used to express "come to do [verb]".
- The verb before に is in the masu-stem form.
- It signifies movement towards a location for a purpose.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you say "I came to study" in Japanese?
- Answer: *勉強しに来ました。 (Benkyō shi ni kimashita.)*
- Fill in the blank: 映画を______来た。
- Answer: 見に (Mi ni)
- True or False: "行きます" is used when coming towards the speaker.
- Answer: False
By understanding and applying Verb に 来ます, you can effectively communicate your purposes and actions related to coming to a place. Practice forming sentences with different verbs to become more comfortable with this grammar point.