〜てくる

〜てくる is a て-form extension that expresses go and come back / begin to. The て-form is one of the most productive patterns in Japanese — by combining it with various helper verbs and expressions, you can express a wide range of meanings from ongoing actions to requests to sequential events.

This is a foundational pattern that you will use from day one of your Japanese studies.

When to Use#

• When going somewhere to do something and coming back
• When a gradual change begins to happen (rain starting, etc.)

When NOT to Use#

• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• 行ってきます。 — I'm going now. / I'm leaving.
• 健康的になってきました。 — I've started to feel healthier.
• 桜の花が咲いてきました。 — The cherry blossoms are starting to bloom.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Incorrect て-form conjugation — Make sure you correctly form the て-form of the preceding verb before attaching this pattern. Group 1 verbs have sound changes (く→いて, ぐ→いで, す→して, etc.).

Related Patterns#

• 〜て (te-form (connecting)) — Next step