来ます (来る)

The Japanese verb 来ます (kimasu), or its dictionary form 来る (kuru), is one of the most fundamental yet complex verbs in the Japanese language. At its core, it translates to the English verb 'to come.' However, its usage is strictly defined by the physical or psychological perspective of the speaker. Unlike the English 'come,' which can sometimes be used when moving towards a listener (e.g., 'I am coming to your house'), the Japanese kimasu is almost exclusively used for movement directed toward the location where the speaker is currently situated, or toward a point that the speaker considers their 'home base' or current perspective.

The Directional Core

In Japanese, movement verbs are highly sensitive to the speaker's position. Kimasu describes an action where someone or something moves from a distant location toward the speaker. If you are at home and a friend is arriving, they are 'coming' (kimasu). If you are at work and a package arrives, it 'comes' (kimasu). This distinction is vital because using it incorrectly can confuse the spatial relationship between the participants in a conversation.

The Irregular Nature

Grammatically, kuru is one of only two truly irregular verbs in Japanese (the other being suru). This means its conjugation patterns do not follow the standard rules for Ichidan or Godan verbs. The initial vowel of the kanji character 来 changes depending on the form: it is read as 'ki' in kimasu, 'ko' in konai (negative), and 'ku' in kuru (dictionary form). Mastering these shifts is a rite of passage for every Japanese learner.

Beyond physical movement, kimasu is used to describe the arrival of seasons, the onset of physiological states (like getting a headache), or the appearance of abstract concepts like opportunities. When the cherry blossoms 'come' in spring, or when a letter 'comes' in the mail, kimasu is the verb of choice. It implies a sense of arrival into the speaker's immediate sphere of existence or awareness.

Temporal Usage

We also use this verb for time-related events. 'Next week' is written as 来週 (raishuu), which literally means 'the week that comes.' Similarly, 'next month' is 来月 (raigetsu). The concept of the future is inherently tied to the movement of time toward the present moment, much like a person walking toward you.

In summary, kimasu is more than just a translation of 'come.' It is a directional marker that anchors the speaker in space and time, signaling that something is entering their personal or local domain. Whether it is a person, a season, or a feeling, kimasu brings the world to you.

Using 来ます (kimasu) correctly requires an understanding of Japanese particles and sentence structure. Because it is a verb of motion, it frequently interacts with particles that indicate direction, origin, and means of transport. Let's break down the primary patterns you will encounter in everyday Japanese conversation and writing.

The Destination: Ni and E

When you want to say someone is coming 'to' a place, you use the particles に (ni) or へ (e). While ni focuses on the specific destination or arrival point, e emphasizes the direction of the movement. In most A2-level contexts, they are interchangeable, but ni is more common for specific locations like 'home' or 'school.'

The Origin: Kara

To express where someone has come 'from,' the particle から (kara) is used. This is frequently seen when introducing oneself or talking about one's hometown or country of origin. The past tense kimashita is often used here to indicate the completed action of arrival.

One of the most powerful features of kimasu is its ability to combine with other verbs using the て (te) form. This creates compound actions that describe bringing something or someone toward the speaker. The two most common are motte kuru (to bring an object) and tsurete kuru (to bring a person or animal).

Negative and Question Forms

To ask a question, simply add ka at the end. To say someone is not coming, use kimasen. Note that in casual speech, the negative of kuru is konai. This vowel change from 'ku' to 'ko' is a unique feature of this irregular verb that students must memorize through practice.

Finally, remember that kimasu can also be used for natural phenomena. When rain starts falling, we say ame ga futte kita. This uses the te-form of furu (to fall) plus kita (past of kuru) to show that the rain has 'come' into our environment. This versatility makes kimasu one of the most frequently used verbs in the entire Japanese language.

In Japan, you will hear 来ます (kimasu) and its variations in almost every conceivable setting, from train stations to family dinners. Its ubiquity stems from its role in describing the flow of people and things in a highly mobile society. Understanding the context in which it is used will help you grasp the social dynamics at play.

Public Announcements

If you stand on a train platform in Tokyo, you will hear the phrase densha ga mairimasu. While mairimasu is the humble version of kimasu, the core meaning is the same: 'The train is coming.' In less formal settings, like a bus stop, a child might point and shout basu ga kita! (The bus came/is here!). This highlights how kimasu is the fundamental concept for arrivals in public transit.

Social Invitations

When friends are planning a get-together, kuru is the go-to verb. You might hear someone ask Ashita kuru? (Are you coming tomorrow?) or Dare ga kuru no? (Who is coming?). In these contexts, the speaker is the center of the event, and they are asking who will move toward that center.

In the workplace, kimasu is used to track the arrival of clients, shipments, or colleagues. A receptionist might say Okyaku-sama ga irasshaimashita (A guest has arrived), using the honorific version of kimasu. However, among coworkers of equal status, you will hear Tanaka-san, mou kita? (Has Tanaka-san come yet?).

Lastly, you will hear kuru in many idiomatic expressions in media, like anime or drama. A character might say Pinch ga kita! (A crisis has come/We're in trouble!) or Chance ga kita! (The chance has come!). It conveys a sense of something suddenly entering the character's reality, often bringing tension or excitement.

For English speakers, 来ます (kimasu) is a frequent source of 'Japanglish' errors because the logic of 'coming' and 'going' differs significantly between the two languages. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

The 'I'm Coming' Error

This is the #1 mistake. In English, if someone yells 'Dinner is ready!', you reply 'I'm coming!' In Japanese, you MUST say Iku! or Ikimasu! (I'm going). Why? Because you are moving away from your current location toward the listener. You only use kimasu if you are already at the destination. Using kimasu in this context sounds like you are already in the kitchen and are somehow 'coming' to yourself.

Conjugation Confusion

Because kuru is irregular, learners often try to conjugate it like a regular verb. For example, they might say kuranai instead of konai for the negative, or kurimasu instead of kimasu for the polite form. Remember the three stems: ki (polite/te-form), ko (negative/passive/causative), and ku (dictionary/noun-modifying).

Misusing 'Te-Kuru' for Past Actions

Learners sometimes use ~te kuru to mean they 'came to do' something in a way that sounds unnatural. For example, to say 'I came to Japan to study,' you should use the purpose particle ni: Nihon ni benkyou ni kimashita. Using benkyou shite kimashita implies you studied before coming, or you have been studying up until now.

By focusing on the speaker's perspective and memorizing the irregular stems (ki, ko, ku), you can avoid these common errors and use kimasu with the confidence of a native speaker.

While 来ます (kimasu) is the standard way to say 'to come,' Japanese offers several alternatives depending on the level of politeness, the specific nuance of the arrival, or the physical nature of the movement. Choosing the right one is key to mastering Japanese social registers (Keigo).

1. 参る (Mairu) - Humble

This is the humble (kenjougo) equivalent of kimasu. You use it when talking about your own arrival or the arrival of someone in your 'in-group' (like a family member or coworker) to a person of higher status. It lowers your own position to show respect to the listener.

2. いらっしゃる (Irassharu) - Honorific

This is the honorific (sonkeigo) equivalent. You use it when talking about the arrival of a superior, a customer, or someone you don't know well. It elevates the other person's action. In a shop, you will always hear Irasshaimase! (Welcome!), which comes from this verb.

3. やって来る (Yatte kuru)

This compound verb literally means 'to do and come,' but it is used to mean 'to show up' or 'to come along.' It often implies a sense of anticipation or a long-awaited arrival. You might use it for a storm approaching or a famous person finally arriving in town.

4. 到着する (Touchaku suru)

This is a Sino-Japanese (Kango) noun-verb meaning 'to arrive.' It is more formal and technical than kimasu. You will see it on airport monitors or in news reports. While kimasu is about the movement toward the speaker, touchaku suru is about the specific moment of reaching the destination.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to navigate the complex social landscape of Japan. Whether you are welcoming a guest with irassharu or reporting your own arrival with mairu, you are using the concept of 'coming' to define your relationship with those around you.