来
JLPT N5
Come, future, next,arrive
Readings
On’yomi: ライ (rai)
Kun’yomi: く(る) (ku(ru))
• く（る） (kuru) → to come
• き（ます） (kimasu) → polite form of “come”
• きた（る） (kitaru) → formal “to come” / arrive
• きた（せる） (kitaseru) → cause to come / bring
Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
来る
くる
come
来年
らいねん
next year
来週
らいしゅう
next week
未来
みらい
future
来日
らいにち
visit Japan
Example Sentences
明日友達が来ます。
あした ともだちが きます。
My friend will come tomorrow.
来年旅行します。
らいねん りょこうします。
I will travel next year.
来週試験があります。
らいしゅう しけんが あります。
I have an exam next week.
未来は明るいです。
みらいは あかるいです。
The future is bright.
外国の大統領が来日しました。
がいこくの だいとうりょうが らいにちしました。
The foreign president visited Japan.
Cultural Note
1. Importance of Time & Future
o 来 is frequently used in words denoting the next time or future, reflecting Japanese culture’s planning and awareness of time.
o Example: 来週 (next week), 来年 (next year), 未来 (future) — daily life emphasizes schedules and forward thinking.
2. Politeness in Visits
o Words like 来訪 (らいほう) or 来社 (らいしゃ) are formal, used in business and diplomatic contexts.
o Showing respect for the act of coming reflects Japanese emphasis on guest etiquette and hospitality.
3. Combination with Other Kanji
o Often paired with 前 (before) and 後 (after) to mark time:
来前 (not common) → before arrival
来後 (not common) → after arrival
o Also used in 未来 (future), symbolizing hope and planning.
o 来 is frequently used in words denoting the next time or future, reflecting Japanese culture’s planning and awareness of time.
o Example: 来週 (next week), 来年 (next year), 未来 (future) — daily life emphasizes schedules and forward thinking.
2. Politeness in Visits
o Words like 来訪 (らいほう) or 来社 (らいしゃ) are formal, used in business and diplomatic contexts.
o Showing respect for the act of coming reflects Japanese emphasis on guest etiquette and hospitality.
3. Combination with Other Kanji
o Often paired with 前 (before) and 後 (after) to mark time:
来前 (not common) → before arrival
来後 (not common) → after arrival
o Also used in 未来 (future), symbolizing hope and planning.