つれてくる in 30 Seconds
- To bring a person to where the speaker is.
- Essential for describing arrivals at your location.
- Distinguish from 'tsureteiku' (to take there).
- Used for people, not objects.
The Japanese verb つれてくる (tsuretekuru) means 'to bring (someone here)'. It's a compound verb formed from つれる (tsureru), which means 'to bring along' or 'to accompany', and くる (kuru), which means 'to come'. Therefore, the literal meaning is 'to bring and come'. This verb is used when the speaker is the destination or when the action of bringing someone is directed towards the speaker's location or the location of the person being spoken to.
- Core Meaning
- To bring a person to one's current location or a specified destination where the speaker will also be.
- Usage Context
- This verb is used when the person being brought is arriving at the speaker's location, or the location of the person the speaker is talking to. It implies that the speaker is present at the destination or will be there. It is specifically for bringing people, not objects.
友達をつれてくるつもりです。
Consider a situation where you are inviting a friend to your house. You might say, 'I plan to bring my friend over.' In Japanese, this would be 友達をつれてくるつもりです (Tomodachi o tsuretekuru tsumori desu). The 'kuru' (come) part of the verb emphasizes that the friend is coming *to your place*.
- Distinction from Other Verbs
- It is crucial to distinguish つれてくる from つれていく (tsureteiku), which means 'to take (someone) there'. The former is used when the destination is 'here' (where the speaker is or will be), and the latter is used when the destination is 'there' (away from the speaker).
- Examples in Context
- When a parent brings their child to school, they are つれてくる if the speaker is at the school. If the speaker is at home and the child is going to school, the parent is つれていく. In a party setting, if you bring someone to the party where you are, you are つれてくる. If you are going to a friend's house and bringing someone with you, you are つれていく.
先生が新しい生徒をつれてきた。
This sentence means 'The teacher brought the new student.' The past tense つれてきた (tsuretekita) implies the teacher and the student arrived at the speaker's location or a location relevant to the conversation. The presence of 'kuru' (come) is key here, indicating arrival.
- Grammatical Structure
- つれてくる is a Group 3 verb (irregular verb). Its stem is つれてく (tsureteku) and it conjugates like くる (kuru). Common forms include: masu-form: つれてきます (tsuretekimasu), past tense: つれてきた (tsuretekita), te-form: つれてきて (tsuretekite), potential: つれてこられる (tsuretekolareru), volitional: つれてこよう (tsuretekeyou).
家族をつれてくるのは初めてです。
This translates to 'This is my first time bringing my family (here).' The sentence structure emphasizes the action of bringing the family to the current location.
つれてくる (tsuretekuru) is a versatile verb used in various sentence structures to express the act of bringing someone to the speaker's location or a mutually understood destination. The key is always the direction of movement towards 'here', where 'here' is defined by the context of the conversation and the speaker's perspective.
- Basic Sentence Structure
- The most common structure involves the object (the person being brought) marked by the particle を (o), followed by つれてくる. For example: [Person]をつれてくる. ([Person] o tsuretekuru.)
彼をつれてくる。
Translation: 'I will bring him (here).' This is a simple, direct statement.
- Expressing Intent
- To express the intention of bringing someone, you can use the つもりです (tsumori desu) form. [Person]をつれてくるつもりです. ([Person] o tsuretekuru tsumori desu.)
母をつれてくるつもりです。
Translation: 'I intend to bring my mother (here).' This clearly states a future plan.
- Asking Someone to Bring Someone
- You can ask someone to bring another person using the imperative or polite request forms. For example: [Person]をつれてきてください. ([Person] o tsuretekite kudasai.)
友達をつれてきてください。
Translation: 'Please bring your friend (here).' This is a polite request.
- Past Tense Usage
- When the action has already happened, use the past tense form つれてきた (tsuretekita). [Person]をつれてきた. ([Person] o tsuretekita.)
妹をつれてきた。
Translation: 'I brought my sister (here).' This confirms a past action.
- Negative Forms
- To say you will not bring someone, use the negative form つれてこない (tsuretekonai) or つれてきません (tsuretekimasen). [Person]をつれてこない. ([Person] o tsuretekonai.)
彼をつれてこないでください。
Translation: 'Please do not bring him (here).' This is a negative request.
- Using the Te-form
- The te-form, つれてきて (tsuretekite), is often used to connect clauses or to form requests. It can also imply a sequence of actions, where bringing someone is followed by another action. For example: [Person]をつれてきて、一緒に食事をしましょう. ([Person] o tsuretekite, issho ni shokuji o shimashou.)
友達をつれてきて、パーティーを始めましょう。
Translation: 'Bring your friend, and let's start the party.' The te-form links the two actions smoothly.
You'll encounter つれてくる (tsuretekuru) frequently in everyday Japanese conversations, especially in situations involving social gatherings, family interactions, and invitations. Understanding these contexts will help you internalize its meaning and usage.
- Social Gatherings and Parties
- When inviting friends over for a party, dinner, or just to hang out at your place, つれてくる is the natural verb to use. For instance, someone might ask: 'Are you bringing anyone to the party?' (パーティーに誰かつれてくる？ - Pātī ni dareka tsuretekuru?). Or, a host might say: 'Please bring your family!' (ご家族をつれてきてください！ - Go kazoku o tsuretekite kudasai!).
友達をつれてきたら、もっと楽しいよ。
Translation: 'If you bring a friend (here), it will be more fun.'
- Family and Home Settings
- Within families or when discussing bringing family members to a particular place (like home or a family event), つれてくる is common. For example, a child might tell a parent: 'I want to bring my friend home from school.' (学校から友達をつれてきたい。 - Gakkō kara tomodachi o tsuretekita-i.). Or, a spouse might say to another: 'Did you bring the children?' (子供たちをつれてきた？ - Kodomotachi o tsuretekita?).
おばあちゃんをつれてきました。
Translation: 'I brought my grandmother (here).' This often implies bringing them to a family gathering or a place of care.
- Workplace and Professional Settings
- In professional contexts, it might be used when bringing a client, a new colleague, or a guest to the office or a meeting venue. For instance: 'I will bring the new intern to the meeting.' (会議に新しいインターンをつれてきます。 - Kaigi ni atarashii intān o tsuretekimasu.). Or, 'Did you bring the documents with you?' (This would be motte kuru, but if you brought a person related to the documents, it would be つれてくる).
お客様をつれてくる。
Translation: 'To bring a client/guest (here).' This is often said in anticipation of their arrival.
- Everyday Interactions
- In casual conversations, it's used when someone is arriving at your location. For example, if someone is coming to your house, you might say: 'I'm waiting for you to bring your kids.' (お子さんをつれてくるのを待っています。 - Okosan o tsuretekuru no o matte imasu.). Or, if someone arrives with a pet: 'Oh, you brought your dog!' (犬をつれてきたね！ - Inu o tsuretekita ne!).
彼が彼女をつれてきた。
Translation: 'He brought his girlfriend (here).' This is a common observation.
When learning つれてくる (tsuretekuru), learners often make mistakes related to its directionality and its distinction from similar verbs. Understanding these common pitfalls can greatly accelerate your learning process.
- Confusing with つれていく (tsureteiku)
- The most frequent error is confusing つれてくる ('to bring here') with つれていく ('to take there'). Remember: くる (kuru) means 'to come' (towards the speaker), while いく (iku) means 'to go' (away from the speaker). If you are going to a friend's house and bringing someone with you, you are つれていく. If that friend is coming to your house and bringing someone, they are つれてくる.
Incorrect: 友達をつれていく。
If the intention is to bring the friend to the speaker's location, this is incorrect. The correct sentence would be 友達をつれてくる (Tomodachi o tsuretekuru).
- Using it for Objects
- つれてくる is specifically for bringing people (or sometimes animals that are treated like people). Using it for inanimate objects is incorrect. For objects, you would use verbs like もってくる (mottekuru - to bring something) or もっていく (motteiku - to take something).
Incorrect: 本をつれてくる。
Translation: 'To bring a book (here).' This is grammatically incorrect. The correct verb for bringing an object is もってくる (mottekuru). So, it should be 本をもってくる (Hon o mottekuru).
- Incorrect Particle Usage
- While を (o) is the standard particle for the direct object (the person being brought), learners might sometimes mistakenly use other particles, especially if they are thinking about the destination. However, を directly marks the person being brought by the verb つれてくる.
Incorrect: 友達がつれてくる。
Translation: 'A friend brings (here).' While grammatically possible if the friend is the subject performing the action of bringing someone else, it's often used incorrectly when the speaker intends to say 'I bring a friend (here).' In that case, '友達' is the object and should be marked with を: 友達をつれてくる (Tomodachi o tsuretekuru).
- Ignoring the 'kuru' Aspect
- Sometimes learners might focus too much on the 'tsureru' part and forget the 'kuru'. This can lead to using the verb in contexts where the movement is away from the speaker, or where the speaker is not part of the destination. Always recall that the 'kuru' component implies arrival at the speaker's location or a shared destination.
Incorrect: 私は彼を家から駅までつれてくる。
Translation: 'I bring him from home to the station.' This is incorrect because 'from home to the station' implies movement away from the speaker (unless the speaker is at the station, which is unlikely if they are saying 'home'). The correct verb would be つれていく (tsureteiku).
While つれてくる (tsuretekuru) is specific, several other verbs and phrases can express similar ideas of bringing someone, depending on nuance and context. Understanding these alternatives will enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise communication.
- つれていく (tsureteiku) - To Take (Someone) There
- This is the direct counterpart to つれてくる. Use つれていく when the movement is away from the speaker's current location.
Example: 友達を映画館につれていく。(Tomodachi o eigakan ni tsureteiku.) - I will take my friend to the movie theater.
つれてくる vs つれていく
- もってくる (mottekuru) - To Bring (Something) Here
- This verb is used for bringing inanimate objects to the speaker's location. It is the object-bringing equivalent of つれてくる.
Example: 資料をもってくる。(Shiryō o mottekuru.) - I will bring the documents (here).
つれてくる vs もってくる
- 連れる (tsureru) - To Bring Along, Accompany
- This is the base verb from which つれてくる and つれていく are formed. It implies accompanying someone, but it doesn't inherently specify the direction of movement relative to the speaker. It's often used in more descriptive or literary contexts.
Example: 彼は子供たちを連れて公園に行った。(Kare wa kodomotachi o tsurete kōen ni itta.) - He took his children to the park (here, 連れて is used as a conjunctive form, linking to 行った 'went').
つれてくる is a compound of 連れる and くる.
- 連れてくる (tsuretekuru) vs. 招く (maneku) - To Invite
- While つれてくる describes the action of bringing someone, 招く means 'to invite'. An invitation precedes the action of bringing.
Example: パーティーに友達を招いた。(Pātī ni tomodachi o manaita.) - I invited my friends to the party. (Then, they might つれてくる themselves or be brought by someone else).
Invitation vs. Bringing
- 連れてくる (tsuretekuru) vs. 同伴する (dōhan suru) - To Accompany
- 同伴する is a more formal term meaning 'to accompany' or 'to escort'. It focuses on the act of being together, rather than the movement towards a specific location.
Example: 彼は彼女をパーティーに同伴した。(Kare wa kanojo o pātī ni dōhan shita.) - He accompanied her to the party. (This is more formal and might not emphasize the 'coming here' aspect as strongly as つれてくる).
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The verb つれる itself is believed to have originated from the word 'tsura' (顔 - face, countenance), possibly implying bringing someone along side-by-side, or 'face-to-face' with the speaker. The addition of 'kuru' specifically directs this action towards the speaker's immediate vicinity.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'tsu' sound too strongly like 'tsu' in 'tsunami' without the 'u' sound.
- Using an English 'r' sound instead of the Japanese flap 'r'.
- Pronouncing the vowels too long or too short, not matching the standard Japanese vowel sounds.
- Adding unnecessary stress to syllables, as Japanese is pitch-accented.
- Confusing the 'u' sound in 'tsu' and 'ku' with the English 'oo' sound.
Difficulty Rating
At CEFR A2 level, reading texts containing <strong>つれてくる</strong> would typically be simple sentences or short dialogues. Learners would focus on understanding the core meaning of bringing someone to the speaker's location. Complex sentence structures or nuanced usage might pose challenges.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb conjugation (Group 3/Irregular)
くる (kuru) conjugates irregularly. つれてくる follows this pattern: つれてきます (tsuretekimasu), つれてきた (tsuretekita), つれてきて (tsuretekite).
Particle 'を' (o) as a direct object marker
友達をつれてくる。(Tomodachi o tsuretekuru.) - '友達' (friend) is the direct object, marked by 'を'.
Using the te-form to connect clauses
友達をつれてきて、一緒に映画を見ましょう。(Tomodachi o tsuretekite, issho ni eiga o mimashou.) - Bring your friend, and let's watch a movie together.
Expressing intention with 'つもりです' (tsumori desu)
彼をつれてくるつもりです。(Kare o tsuretekuru tsumori desu.) - I intend to bring him (here).
Making polite requests with '-てください' (-te kudasai)
妹を (tsuretekite kudasai) - Please bring my younger sister (here).
Examples by Level
お母さんがつれてくる。
Mother is bringing (someone/me here).
Simple present tense, subject (mother) + verb. Implies arrival at the speaker's location.
友達がつれてくる。
A friend is bringing (someone/me here).
Subject (friend) + verb. Focus on the arrival.
父はつれてくる。
Father is bringing (someone/me here).
Subject (father) + verb. Simple statement of arrival.
姉がつれてくる。
Older sister is bringing (someone/me here).
Subject (older sister) + verb. Focus on the action of bringing.
妹がつれてくる。
Younger sister is bringing (someone/me here).
Subject (younger sister) + verb. Similar to older sister.
先生がつれてくる。
Teacher is bringing (someone/me here).
Subject (teacher) + verb. Implies bringing a student.
友達をつれてくる。
To bring a friend (here).
Object (friend) + 'o' particle + verb. Simple statement of action.
家族をつれてくる。
To bring family (here).
Object (family) + 'o' particle + verb. Focus on bringing family.
友達をつれてくるつもりです。
I plan to bring my friend (here).
Verb + つもりです (tsumori desu) for expressing intention.
彼をつれてきてください。
Please bring him (here).
Verb in te-form + ください (kudasai) for polite request.
昨日、妹をつれてきた。
Yesterday, I brought my younger sister (here).
Past tense of つれてくる: つれてきた (tsuretekita).
パーティーに誰かつれてくる？
Are you bringing anyone (here) to the party?
Question using the plain form of the verb.
子供たちをつれてこないでください。
Please do not bring the children (here).
Verb in negative plain form + でください (de kudasai) for negative request.
新しい先生がつれてきた。
The new teacher brought (someone/us here).
Past tense, subject + verb. Implies arrival of the teacher and possibly others.
母をつれてくるのは初めてです。
This is my first time bringing my mother (here).
Verb in dictionary form + のは初めてです (no wa hajimete desu) for 'first time doing something'.
彼をつれてこよう。
Let's bring him (here).
Volitional form: つれてこよう (tsuretekeyou).
週末に、友達を家につれてくる予定です。
I plan to bring my friend home this weekend.
Verb + 予定です (yotei desu) for future plans. Emphasizes 'home' as the destination.
会議に新しいクライアントをつれてくる必要があります。
It is necessary to bring the new client to the meeting.
Verb + 必要があります (hitsuyō ga arimasu) for necessity. Professional context.
両親をつれてきて、一緒に食事をしました。
I brought my parents (here) and we had a meal together.
Te-form (つれてきて) connects two clauses, indicating sequence of actions.
彼はいつも彼女をパーティーにつれてくる。
He always brings her to parties (here).
Habitual action using the plain form. Implies the party is at the speaker's or a mutual location.
このイベントには、子供をつれてくることができません。
You cannot bring children to this event.
Verb + ことができません (koto ga dekimasen) for inability or prohibition.
彼が新しいプロジェクトのメンバーをつれてきた。
He brought the new project members (here).
Past tense, subject + object + verb. Reports a past event.
このレストランに家族をつれてくるのは初めてだ。
This is my first time bringing my family to this restaurant.
Verb + のは初めてだ (no wa hajimete da) - informal version of 'first time'.
もし可能なら、彼をつれてきてください。
If possible, please bring him (here).
Conditional phrase + te-form + ください. Polite request with a condition.
今回の展示会には、多くのコレクターが自身のコレクションをつれてくると予想されています。
It is expected that many collectors will bring their collections (here) to this exhibition.
Passive voice (予想されています - yosō sarete imasu) and formal vocabulary. Implies bringing valuable items to the exhibition venue.
会社の代表として、海外からの重要なゲストをつれてくる責任があります。
As the company representative, I have the responsibility to bring important guests from overseas (here).
Formal language (代表 - daihyō, 責任 - sekinin). Emphasizes responsibility and the destination being the company's location.
彼女はいつも、その場を明るくするような友人たちをつれてくる傾向がある。
She has a tendency to always bring friends who brighten up the place (here).
Tendency (傾向がある - keikō ga aru). Describes a personality trait related to bringing specific types of people.
このプロジェクトの成功のためには、専門家をつれてくることが不可欠だ。
To ensure the success of this project, it is essential to bring in experts (here).
Essential (不可欠だ - fukaketsu da). Used in a strategic or planning context.
地域の活性化のために、著名なアーティストをつれてくる計画が進行中です。
A plan is underway to bring famous artists (here) for regional revitalization.
Formal phrasing (進行中です - shinkōchū desu). Focus on bringing talent to a specific area.
彼は、かつて所属していたチームの仲間を、新しい職場につれてきた。
He brought colleagues from the team he previously belonged to, to his new workplace.
Past tense, describing a significant career move involving bringing former associates.
もし可能であれば、ご家族全員をつれてきていただけると幸いです。
If possible, we would be grateful if you could bring your entire family (here).
Very polite request using いただけると幸いです (itadakeru to saiwai desu). Formal and considerate.
このイベントの目的は、地元の若者たちに国際的な視野をつれてくることです。
The purpose of this event is to bring an international perspective to the local young people (here).
Abstract concept (国際的な視野 - kokusaiteki na shiya) being 'brought' to a group. Figurative use.
現代社会における人間関係の希薄化を鑑み、地域コミュニティに活気をもたらすべく、多様な人材を積極的につれてくる試みがなされている。
Considering the weakening of human relationships in modern society, efforts are being made to actively bring in diverse talent to invigorate the local community.
Complex sentence structure, abstract concepts (人間関係の希薄化 - ningen kankei no kihakuka, 活気をもたらす - kakki o motarasu). Formal and analytical tone.
彼は、自身の経験と知識を共有するため、国内外から著名な学者や研究者をつれてくることに尽力してきた。
He has strived to bring in renowned scholars and researchers from both domestic and international sources to share his experience and knowledge.
Formal verb (尽力してきた - jinryoku shite kita - has strived). Focus on bringing experts for knowledge sharing.
この芸術祭の趣旨は、現代アートの新たな潮流を本地につれてくることであり、それによって地域文化の振興を図るものである。
The purpose of this art festival is to bring new trends in contemporary art to this locality, thereby promoting regional culture.
Formal vocabulary (趣旨 - shushi, 潮流 - chōryū, 振興を図る - shinkō o hakaru). Explains the 'why' behind bringing art.
パンデミックの影響で、多くの国際会議がオンライン開催となったが、対面での交流を重視するため、一部の参加者は現地につれてくることが検討されている。
Due to the pandemic's impact, many international conferences have moved online, but to emphasize face-to-face interaction, bringing some participants to the venue is being considered.
Complex context (パンデミック - pandemikku, オンライン開催 - onrain kaisai, 対面での交流 - taimen de no kōryū). Discusses practical considerations for bringing attendees.
彼は、単に優秀な人材をつれてくるだけでなく、彼らが最大限の能力を発揮できるような環境を整備することにも注力している。
He not only brings in talented individuals but also focuses on creating an environment where they can maximize their potential.
Emphasis on creating an environment (環境を整備する - kankyō o seibi suru) after bringing people in. Nuanced understanding of the verb's implications.
その劇団は、国内外から革新的な演出家をつれてくることで、常に観客に新しい驚きを提供し続けている。
By bringing in innovative directors from both domestic and international stages, the theater company continuously offers new surprises to the audience.
Describes a strategy (革新的な演出家 - kakushinteki na enshutsu-ka) used by an organization.
政府は、地方創生のため、都市部から若者や起業家を積極的につれてくる政策を打ち出している。
The government is launching policies to actively attract young people and entrepreneurs from urban areas for regional revitalization.
Policy-oriented language (地方創生 - chihō sōsei, 政策を打ち出す - seisaku o uchidasu). Focus on attracting specific demographics.
彼の類まれなるリーダーシップは、困難な状況下でも、チームメンバーを鼓舞し、目標達成のために最良の人材をつれてくることを可能にした。
His unparalleled leadership enabled him to inspire team members and bring in the best talent to achieve goals, even under difficult circumstances.
Figurative use of leadership enabling the 'bringing' of talent. Complex sentence structure.
グローバル化が進展する現代において、学術研究の国際競争力を高めるためには、世界中から一流の研究者を招聘し、共同研究の場を創出するために彼らをつれてくることが戦略的に重要となる。
In today's era of advancing globalization, to enhance the international competitiveness of academic research, it is strategically important to invite top-tier researchers from around the world and bring them here to create opportunities for collaborative study.
Highly academic and formal language (学術研究 - gakujutsu kenkyū, 国際競争力 - kokusai kyōsōryoku, 招聘 - shōhei, 共同研究 - kyōdō kenkyū). Emphasizes strategic importance in a global context.
文化交流の促進という観点から、異文化理解を深めることを目的として、海外の芸術家やパフォーマーを招聘し、彼らの作品を本地につれてくることで、地域住民に新たな視点と感動を提供する試みが多岐にわたって展開されている。
From the perspective of promoting cultural exchange, with the aim of deepening intercultural understanding, diverse initiatives are being developed to invite foreign artists and performers and bring their works to this locality, thereby offering new perspectives and inspiration to local residents.
Sophisticated vocabulary (文化交流 - bunka kōryū, 異文化理解 - ibunka rikai, 多岐にわたって展開されている - taki ni watatte tenkai sarete iru). Focuses on the impact of bringing culture.
彼は、単に才能ある人材を誘引するだけでなく、彼らが潜在能力を最大限に開花させ、組織全体のイノベーションを牽引できるような、刺激的かつ協調的な環境を醸成するために、彼らをつれてくることに並々ならぬ情熱を注いできた。
He has poured extraordinary passion not merely into attracting talented individuals, but into bringing them here to foster a stimulating and collaborative environment where they can fully blossom their potential and drive the organization's overall innovation.
Figurative language (潜在能力を開花させる - senzai nōryoku o kaikasa seru, 牽引する - ken'in suru, 醸成する - jōsei suru). Deep understanding of the verb's role in fostering growth.
現代のビジネス環境においては、変化への適応力と創造性が不可欠であり、そのためには、多様なバックグラウンドを持つ人材を積極的につれてくることで、組織内に新たな視点と活力を注入することが求められる。
In the modern business environment, adaptability to change and creativity are indispensable, and therefore, it is required to inject new perspectives and vitality into the organization by actively bringing in individuals with diverse backgrounds.
Business jargon (適応力 - tekiōryoku, 創造性 - sōzōsei, 注入する - chūnyū suru). Focus on the strategic benefit of bringing diverse talent.
その指導者は、若手選手たちの技術向上と精神的成長を促すため、国内外から経験豊富なコーチやメンターを招聘し、彼らの指導を直接受けられるよう、意図的にチームにつれてくるという方針を採った。
The coach adopted a policy of inviting experienced coaches and mentors from both domestic and international arenas to foster the technical improvement and mental growth of young players, intentionally bringing them into the team so they could receive their direct guidance.
Specific context (若手選手 - wakate senshu, 精神的成長 - seishinteki seichō, メンター - mentā). Explains the deliberate action of bringing in experts for player development.
地方創生の文脈において、都市部で培われた革新的なアイデアやビジネスモデルを地方につれてくることは、地域経済の活性化に不可欠な要素として認識されている。
In the context of regional revitalization, bringing innovative ideas and business models cultivated in urban areas to rural regions is recognized as an essential element for stimulating the local economy.
Economic and policy-oriented language (地方創生 - chihō sōsei, 地域経済の活性化 - chiiki keizai no kasseika). Focus on transferring concepts and models.
彼は、自身の芸術的ビジョンを実現するために、世界中から才能あるアーティストやクリエイターを組織につれてくることに成功し、その結果、前例のない独創的な作品群を生み出した。
To realize his artistic vision, he succeeded in bringing talented artists and creators from around the world into his organization, and as a result, produced an unprecedented body of original works.
Focus on achieving artistic vision (芸術的ビジョン - geijutsuteki bijon, 独創的な作品群 - dokusōteki na sakuhin-gun). Emphasizes the outcome of bringing in talent.
大学は、国際的な学術交流を一層推進するため、著名な客員教授を多数つれてくる計画を立てており、これにより学生たちは最先端の知識に直接触れる機会を得るだろう。
To further promote international academic exchange, the university is planning to bring in numerous distinguished visiting professors, thereby allowing students to gain opportunities to directly experience cutting-edge knowledge.
Academic and strategic planning language (客員教授 - kyakuhin kyōju, 最先端の知識 - saisentan no chishiki). Focus on educational benefits.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To bring a friend (here). This is a very common scenario when socializing.
週末に友達をつれてくる予定です。(Shūmatsu ni tomodachi o tsuretekuru yotei desu.) - I plan to bring my friend over this weekend.
— To bring one's family (here). Often used when inviting family members to one's home or a family event.
お正月には、遠くから家族をつれてくる。(Oshōgatsu ni wa, tōku kara kazoku o tsuretekuru.) - For New Year's, I will bring my family from afar.
— To bring someone (here). A general phrase used when you're bringing an unspecified person.
パーティーに誰かつれてくる？(Pātī ni dareka tsuretekuru?) - Are you bringing anyone to the party?
— Please bring ~ (here). A polite request to bring a person to the speaker's location.
先生をつれてきてください。(Sensei o tsuretekite kudasai.) - Please bring the teacher (here).
— I intend to bring ~ (here). Expresses a plan or intention to bring someone.
彼をつれてくるつもりです。(Kare o tsuretekuru tsumori desu.) - I intend to bring him (here).
— Brought ~ (here). The past tense, indicating that the action has been completed.
妹をつれてきた。(Imōto o tsuretekita.) - I brought my younger sister (here).
— Please do not bring ~ (here). A polite negative request.
子供をつれてこないでください。(Kodomo o tsuretekonaide kudasai.) - Please do not bring children (here).
— To bring him (here).
彼をつれてくるのは初めてです。(Kare o tsuretekuru no wa hajimete desu.) - This is my first time bringing him (here).
— To bring her (here).
彼女をつれてくるのを忘れないでね。(Kanojo o tsuretekuru no o wasurenaide ne.) - Don't forget to bring her (here)!
— The act of bringing ~ (here). Often used in more formal or explanatory contexts.
人をつれてくることは、簡単なことではありません。(Hito o tsuretekuru koto wa, kantan na koto de wa arimasen.) - Bringing people (here) is not a simple matter.
Often Confused With
This is the most common point of confusion. つれてくる means to bring someone *here* (towards the speaker), while つれていく means to take someone *there* (away from the speaker). Always consider the direction of movement relative to the speaker.
This verb means 'to bring an *object* here'. つれてくる is exclusively for people (or animate beings treated as such). Using つれてくる for objects is incorrect.
This is the base verb meaning 'to bring along' or 'to accompany'. While related, つれてくる and つれていく provide specific directional information that つれる alone does not.
Idioms & Expressions
— To come empty-handed (literally, to bring someone empty-handed). While not a strict idiom, it highlights the act of bringing a person without bringing anything else, often implying a casual visit.
何もお土産はつれてこなかったけど、元気そうでよかった。(Nani mo omiyage wa tsuretekona katta kedo, genki sō de yokatta.) - He didn't bring any souvenirs (or anyone else), but I'm glad he seems well.
— Literally 'to bring a face'. This is not a standard idiom for つれてくる but rather a potential misinterpretation. The actual meaning of 'bringing a face' could imply bringing someone significant or important, but it's not directly tied to the verb つれてくる.
This phrase is not commonly used with つれてくる in a standard idiomatic way.
— To bring one's child (here). This is a very common phrase, often used by parents when visiting or inviting others.
子供をつれてくるのは大変だけど、楽しかったです。(Kodomo o tsuretekuru no wa taihen dakedo, tanoshikatta desu.) - It was difficult bringing my child (here), but it was fun.
— To bring one's parents (here). Implies bringing elderly family members, often for a visit or to stay.
具合が悪かったので、親をつれてきた。(Guai ga warukatta node, oya o tsuretekita.) - I brought my parents (here) because I wasn't feeling well.
— To bring a friend (here). A staple phrase for social invitations.
パーティーに友達をつれてくるのは自由です。(Pātī ni tomodachi o tsuretekuru no wa jiyū desu.) - It's fine to bring friends (here) to the party.
— Who are you bringing (here)? A common question when planning to meet someone or host an event.
今晩、誰かつれてくる？(Konban, dareka tsuretekuru?) - Are you bringing anyone tonight?
— He always brings her (here). Describes a consistent action of a couple attending events together.
彼はいつも彼女をつれてくるから、二人でいることが多い。(Kare wa itsumo kanojo o tsuretekuru kara, futari de iru koto ga ōi.) - Since he always brings her (here), they are often seen together.
— To bring the teacher (here). Used in educational settings or when seeking guidance.
困ったときは、先生をつれてくるように言われた。(Komatta toki wa, sensei o tsuretekuru yō ni iwareta.) - When I was in trouble, I was told to bring the teacher (here).
— To bring the entire family (here). Implies a significant gathering or event.
結婚式には、家族全員をつれてくる予定です。(Kekkonshiki ni wa, kazoku zen'in o tsuretekuru yotei desu.) - We plan to bring the entire family to the wedding.
— He brought new team members (here). Indicates the arrival of new personnel.
彼は新しいチームメンバーを数名つれてきた。(Kare wa atarashii chīmu menbā o sūmei tsuretekita.) - He brought several new team members (here).
Easily Confused
Both verbs involve bringing someone and are derived from 'tsureru'. The confusion arises from the directional verbs 'kuru' (come) and 'iku' (go).
<strong>つれてくる</strong>: Bringing someone *here* (towards the speaker's location). <br><strong>つれていく</strong>: Taking someone *there* (away from the speaker's location).
友達を<strong>つれてくる</strong>。(Tomodachi o <strong>tsuretekuru</strong>.) - I will bring my friend (here). <br> 友達を<strong>つれていく</strong>。(Tomodachi o <strong>tsureteiku</strong>.) - I will take my friend (there).
Both verbs indicate bringing something to the speaker's location. The confusion lies in the type of object being brought.
<strong>つれてくる</strong>: Used for bringing *people* (or animate beings). <br><strong>もってくる</strong>: Used for bringing *inanimate objects*.
妹を<strong>つれてくる</strong>。(Imōto o <strong>tsuretekuru</strong>.) - I will bring my sister (here). <br> 本を<strong>もってくる</strong>。(Hon o <strong>mottekuru</strong>.) - I will bring the book (here).
Both relate to social interactions where someone comes to a location.
<strong>つれてくる</strong>: Describes the *action* of bringing someone. <br><strong>招く</strong>: Means 'to invite', which is the *preceding action* of extending an invitation.
友達を<strong>招いた</strong>ので、<strong>つれてくる</strong>予定です。(Tomodachi o <strong>manaita</strong> node, <strong>tsuretekuru</strong> yotei desu.) - I invited my friend, so I plan to bring them (here).
Both imply accompanying someone.
<strong>つれてくる</strong>: Focuses on bringing someone *to a specific location* (here). <br><strong>同行する</strong>: More formal, emphasizing the act of accompanying someone throughout an activity or journey, less specific about the destination.
彼をパーティーに<strong>つれてくる</strong>。(Kare o pātī ni <strong>tsuretekuru</strong>.) - I will bring him to the party (here). <br> 彼は彼女に<strong>同行した</strong>。(Kare wa kanojo ni <strong>dōkō shita</strong>.) - He accompanied her.
It is the base verb from which <strong>つれてくる</strong> is formed.
<strong>つれてくる</strong>: Specifically means to bring someone *here*. <br><strong>連れる</strong>: Means 'to bring along' or 'to accompany' without specifying the direction relative to the speaker.
子供を<strong>連れて</strong>公園へ行く。(Kodomo o <strong>tsurete</strong> kōen e iku.) - Go to the park with the child. (Here, 'tsurete' is the conjunctive form, leading to 'iku' - go).
Sentence Patterns
[Person] を つれてくる。
友達を<strong>つれてくる</strong>。
[Person] を つれてくる つもりです。
彼を<strong>つれてくる</strong>つもりです。
[Person] を つれてきてください。
妹を<strong>つれてきてください</strong>。
[Person] を つれてきた。
母を<strong>つれてきた</strong>。
[Person] を つれてくる 予定です。
家族を<strong>つれてくる</strong>予定です。
[Person] を つれてきて、[Action]。
友達を<strong>つれてきて</strong>、一緒に勉強しましょう。
[Person] を つれてくる 必要があります。
新しいメンバーを会議に<strong>つれてくる</strong>必要があります。
[Person] を つれてくる ことが重要です。
このプロジェクトのために、専門家を<strong>つれてくる</strong>ことが重要です。
Word Family
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
High
-
Using <strong>つれてくる</strong> for objects.
→
Use <strong>もってくる</strong> (mottekuru) for objects.
<strong>つれてくる</strong> is exclusively for people or animate beings. For example, you say '友達を<strong>つれてくる</strong>' (tomodachi o <strong>tsuretekuru</strong> - bring a friend here), not '本を<strong>つれてくる</strong>' (hon o <strong>tsuretekuru</strong>). For books, it should be '本を<strong>もってくる</strong>' (hon o <strong>mottekuru</strong>).
-
Confusing <strong>つれてくる</strong> with <strong>つれていく</strong>.
→
<strong>つれてくる</strong> for 'bring here'; <strong>つれていく</strong> for 'take there'.
The 'kuru' in <strong>つれてくる</strong> means 'come' (towards the speaker), while the 'iku' in <strong>つれていく</strong> means 'go' (away from the speaker). If someone is coming to your house, they <strong>つれてくる</strong>. If you are going to their house and bringing someone, you <strong>つれていく</strong>.
-
Incorrect particle usage (e.g., using が instead of を).
→
Use the particle 'を' (o) to mark the person being brought.
The person being brought is the direct object of the verb. For example, '友達を<strong>つれてくる</strong>' (Tomodachi o <strong>tsuretekuru</strong>) is correct. Using '友達が<strong>つれてくる</strong>' (Tomodachi ga <strong>tsuretekuru</strong>) would imply the friend is the one doing the bringing, not the one being brought.
-
Using <strong>つれてくる</strong> when the destination is far from the speaker and not considered 'here'.
→
Use <strong>つれていく</strong> when the destination is clearly 'there'.
If you are at home and talking about bringing someone to the airport, you would use <strong>つれていく</strong> (tsureteiku) because the airport is 'there', away from your current location. If you are at the airport waiting for someone, and they arrive, they <strong>つれてくる</strong>.
-
Forgetting the 'kuru' aspect implies arrival at the speaker's location.
→
Always remember that <strong>つれてくる</strong> signifies arrival at the speaker's location or a mutually understood 'here'.
Even if the speaker is not physically present at the destination, if that destination is framed as 'here' in the context (e.g., 'the party we are organizing'), then <strong>つれてくる</strong> is appropriate. If the movement is clearly away from the speaker's sphere of reference, <strong>つれていく</strong> is used.
Tips
Mind the Direction!
The core of つれてくる is the 'kuru' (come) part. Always ask yourself: is the person coming *towards me* or *towards a place considered 'here'*? If yes, use つれてくる. If the movement is away from you, use つれていく.
People Only!
Remember that つれてくる is strictly for bringing people (or animate beings). For objects, you must use もってくる (mottekuru). Mixing these up is a common mistake.
Understand 'Here'
'Here' doesn't always mean the exact spot where the speaker is standing. It can be the speaker's home, office, or any location that is the focus of the conversation and considered 'proximal' to the speaker or listener.
Linking Actions
The te-form, つれてきて (tsuretekite), is very useful for connecting clauses. You can say 'Bring X, and then let's do Y' by using つれてきて followed by the next action.
Say It Aloud
Practice saying つれてくる multiple times. Focus on the correct pronunciation of 'tsu', the flap 'r', and the distinct Japanese vowels. This will help solidify the word in your memory.
Test Yourself
After learning, try to create your own sentences using つれてくる in different contexts (inviting friends, family visits, etc.). This active recall method strengthens your understanding and usage.
Compare and Contrast
Actively compare つれてくる with its counterparts: つれていく, もってくる, and もっていく. Write sentences demonstrating the differences to avoid confusion.
Listen to Natives
When watching Japanese dramas, anime, or listening to podcasts, pay attention to when and how つれてくる is used. This provides invaluable context and natural usage examples.
Master Conjugations
Learn the different conjugations of つれてくる: present, past, negative, te-form, potential, volitional. Being able to use these forms correctly is crucial for fluency.
Think of Situations
Imagine specific scenarios: 'I'm bringing my mom to the doctor's office.' (Here, the doctor's office is 'here' relative to the speaker who might be going with her). 'My friend is bringing her dog to my house.' These scenarios help solidify the meaning.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you are at your house (here). You are expecting a friend. You say, 'I want to tsuretekuru my friend!' Think of 'tsure' sounding like 'sure' - 'I'm sure my friend will kuru (come)!' The 'tsu' sound can also remind you of 'to you', as in bringing someone 'to you'.
Visual Association
Picture yourself standing at your doorway, holding the door open. Your friend is just outside, and you are gesturing for them to come in. You are bringing them *here*, to your house. The word つれてくる is the sound of them stepping inside.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three scenarios where you would use つれてくる and three where you would use つれていく. For each, write a simple Japanese sentence. For example: Scenario 1 (tsuretekuru): Bringing a friend to your house. Sentence: 友達をつれてくる。 (Tomodachi o tsuretekuru.)
Word Origin
The verb つれてくる is a compound verb. It is formed by combining the verb つれる (tsureru), which means 'to bring along' or 'to accompany', with the verb くる (kuru), meaning 'to come'. The combination logically signifies bringing someone towards the speaker's location.
Original meaning: The core meaning stems from 'tsureru' (to bring along) and 'kuru' (to come). Thus, 'to bring along and come'.
Japonic languagesCultural Context
When using つれてくる, consider the context and the relationship between the people involved. Bringing someone to a formal event might require more careful consideration than bringing a friend to your home. The verb itself is neutral, but the social implications depend on the situation.
In English-speaking cultures, the distinction between 'bring' and 'take' is also present, but the nuance might be slightly different. 'Bring' generally implies movement towards the speaker or a shared destination, similar to つれてくる. However, English doesn't have the same rigid distinction for people versus objects that Japanese does with つれてくる vs. もってくる.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Inviting friends or family to your home for a visit or a party.
- 友達を<strong>つれてくる</strong>
- 家族を<strong>つれてくる</strong>
- 誰か<strong>つれてくる</strong>？
Describing someone arriving at a location, like a classroom or an office.
- 先生が新しい生徒を<strong>つれてきた</strong>。
- お客様を<strong>つれてくる</strong>。
Making plans for social events.
- パーティーに誰か<strong>つれてくる</strong>？
- <strong>つれてくる</strong>つもりです。
Asking someone to bring another person.
- 友達を<strong>つれてきてください</strong>。
- 子供を<strong>つれてこないでください</strong>。
Discussing past events involving bringing people.
- 妹を<strong>つれてきた</strong>。
- 彼を<strong>つれてきた</strong>のは初めてです。
Conversation Starters
"週末に誰かつれてくる予定はありますか？"
"以前、誰か面白い人をつれてきたことはありますか？"
"もし友人を私の家につれてくるなら、どんなことに気をつければいいですか？"
"家族を海外からつれてくるとしたら、どこに連れて行きたいですか？"
"このイベントに子供をつれてくることは可能ですか？"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you brought a friend or family member to your home for the first time. Use the verb <strong>つれてくる</strong>.
Imagine you are hosting a party. Write a short dialogue where you ask a guest if they are bringing anyone, using <strong>つれてくる</strong>.
Reflect on the difference between <strong>つれてくる</strong> and <strong>つれていく</strong>. Write two sentences, one for each verb, illustrating the distinction.
Think about a time you were brought somewhere by someone. Write about that experience, using <strong>つれてくる</strong> from your perspective.
If you could bring any historical figure here to meet you, who would it be and why? Use <strong>つれてくる</strong> in your answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe key difference lies in the direction of movement relative to the speaker. つれてくる means to bring someone *here* (towards the speaker's location), while つれていく means to take someone *there* (away from the speaker's location). Think of 'kuru' (come) for つれてくる and 'iku' (go) for つれていく.
No, つれてくる is exclusively used for bringing people or animate beings (like pets) to the speaker's location. For inanimate objects, you should use もってくる (mottekuru).
The 'kuru' part means 'to come'. It signifies that the action of bringing is directed towards the speaker's current location, or a location that is considered 'here' in the context of the conversation.
つれてくる itself is a neutral verb. Its formality level changes with its conjugation. For example, つれてきます (tsuretekimasu) is polite, while つれてくる (tsuretekuru) in its plain form can be used in informal situations or as a base for further conjugation.
You would use the te-form of つれてくる, which is つれてきて (tsuretekite), followed by ください (kudasai). So, it becomes: 彼をつれてきてください (Kare o tsuretekite kudasai).
The past tense is つれてきた (tsuretekita). For example: 友達をつれてきた。(Tomodachi o tsuretekita.) - I brought my friend (here).
Yes, if that location is understood as 'here' in the context of the conversation. For example, if you are organizing a party at a venue and are talking to someone about bringing guests, you might say 'Guests will つれてくる to the venue.' The venue is considered 'here' in the context of the party.
つれてくる describes the physical act of bringing someone. 招く (maneku) means 'to invite', which is the act of asking someone to come. You invite someone (招く), and then they might bring themselves or be brought by someone (つれてくる).
You can use the negative form つれてこない (tsuretekonai) or the polite negative つれてきません (tsuretekimasen). For example: 彼をつれてこない。(Kare o tsuretekonai.) or 彼をつれてきません。(Kare o tsuretekimasen.)
While つれてくる is neutral, very formal situations might use constructions like 'お連れくださる' (otsure kudasaru) or 'お連れ申す' (otsure mōsu), but these are quite rare in modern everyday conversation and lean towards honorifics or humble language used by service staff or in very specific formal settings.
Test Yourself 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
<strong>つれてくる</strong> (tsuretekuru) means 'to bring someone here'. It's crucial to remember the 'kuru' (come) aspect, indicating movement towards the speaker's location. Always differentiate it from 'tsureteiku' (to take someone there) and remember it's exclusively for people, not objects.
- To bring a person to where the speaker is.
- Essential for describing arrivals at your location.
- Distinguish from 'tsureteiku' (to take there).
- Used for people, not objects.
Mind the Direction!
The core of つれてくる is the 'kuru' (come) part. Always ask yourself: is the person coming *towards me* or *towards a place considered 'here'*? If yes, use つれてくる. If the movement is away from you, use つれていく.
People Only!
Remember that つれてくる is strictly for bringing people (or animate beings). For objects, you must use もってくる (mottekuru). Mixing these up is a common mistake.
Understand 'Here'
'Here' doesn't always mean the exact spot where the speaker is standing. It can be the speaker's home, office, or any location that is the focus of the conversation and considered 'proximal' to the speaker or listener.
Linking Actions
The te-form, つれてきて (tsuretekite), is very useful for connecting clauses. You can say 'Bring X, and then let's do Y' by using つれてきて followed by the next action.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
