do ~ and come back, ~ has been happening

Beginner

10-15 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates going somewhere to do something and returning, or gradual change.

[Te-form] + くる

ちょっと見てきます。

Chotto mite kimasu.

I'll go take a look and come back.

寒くなってきました。

Samuku natte kimashita.

It's been getting colder.

Can mean physical movement or gradual change.

～ていく

do ~ and go, ~ continues into the future

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

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