来 (lái)

to come; (used as a substitute for a more specific verb); hither (dire

Etymology

Simplified form of 來. Pictograph of a stalk of wheat. The current meaning "come" is a phonetic loan. The original meaning "wheat" is now written as 麥.

Original meaning

wheat

Example sentences

  1. 来了。 — I'm coming.
  2. 出来。 — Come out.
  3. 回来。 — Back in.
  4. 再来！ — Again!
  5. 来了! — I'm coming!

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