What Does 来 Mean in Japanese?
来 means to come and also points toward a future time.
The verb 来る is extremely common, while the on’yomi ライ appears in words such as 来週, 来年, and 未来.
Reading
On’yomi: ライ (rai)
Kun’yomi: く-る (ku-ru), きた-る (kita-ru), きた-す (kita-su)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 来 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | to come |
| Stroke Count | 7 |
| JLPT Level | N4 |
How to Understand This Kanji
来 describes movement toward the speaker or a reference point. In compounds it also indicates the next period or something that will happen in the future.
Common Words
- 来る（くる / kuru） — to come
- 来週（らいしゅう / raishuu） — next week
- 来年（らいねん / rainen） — next year
- 将来（しょうらい / shourai） — future
- 未来（みらい / mirai） — future
- 行き来（いきき / ikiki） — coming and going
Example Sentences
-
友達が家に来ます。
ともだちがいえにきます。 / Tomodachi ga ie ni kimasu.
A friend is coming to my house.
-
来週、京都へ行く予定です。
らいしゅう、きょうとへいくよていです。 / Raishuu, Kyouto e iku yotei desu.
I plan to go to Kyoto next week.
-
将来、日本で働きたいです。
しょうらい、にほんではたらきたいです。 / Shourai, Nihon de hatarakitai desu.
I want to work in Japan in the future.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
The kun’yomi くる is essential in everyday speech. The on’yomi ライ appears in 来週, 来年, 将来, and 未来.
Summary
来 means to come and is fundamental for movement, appointments, and future time expressions.