Ready to learn some more useful phrases? Today, we’re covering how to say ‘Come here’ in Korean. This was one of the first phrases I learned as I heard it constantly in public, and in Korean dramas. This will be a short post since the phrases are very simple and short. Let’s begin.
이리 오세요 (i-ri o-se-yo)
This is the formal version of ‘Come here’. It’s a short form of 이리로 오세요. 오세요 comes from the verb ‘오다’ which means ‘to come’ and ‘이리’ or ‘이리로’ which mean ‘this way’ or ‘over here’.
You would use this version towards older people, but with the age hierarchy in Korea, it still would sound a bit strange, if not a bit rude to call an old person like this.
이리 와요 (i-ri wa-yo)
Here, we have the standard polite form you can use with people you’re not familiar with and are similar in age to you.
이리 와 (i-ri-wa)
This is the most commonly used form and it’s used often towards kids, pets (especially dogs), and close friends. Using this in any other context is seen as very rude and it would be like you’re talking down to the person.
Here are some example sentences:
빨리 이리 와요. (ppal-li i-ri wa-yo) = Hurry and come here.
이리 와. 앉아. (i-ri wa. an-ja) = Come here. Have a seat.
이리 와. 같이 먹어. (i-ri wa. ga-chi meo-geo) = Come here. Let’s eat together.