Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
过来(過來)guòlái(guo4lai2)
The phrase '过来' (guò lái) means 'to come over' or 'to approach.' It is commonly used in everyday conversation to invite someone to come closer or to join a group. Additionally, it can imply the ability to manage a situation or handle a task, showcasing flexibility in its usage.
Strokes13Frequency#240DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, inviting someone to '过来' can reflect hospitality and warmth. It is common to call friends or family over for gatherings, meals, or celebrations, emphasizing the importance of community and togetherness.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person trying to 'go over' to a friend who is far away. The character '过' (guò) looks like a person crossing a bridge ('过' means to cross), and '来' (lái) is like a person coming towards you. Visualize them meeting halfway, which helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 过来
guòlái(guo4lai2)
primary
1to come over
2to manage
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 过来
过来Simplified
過來Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2YCTL3HSKKL1BCT✓CEFRA1
Podcast: 过来
Podcast: 过来
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 过来
Quick Contrast
来 (lái) - use 过来 when emphasizing movement towards the speaker, while 来 can be more general.
Usage Notes
'过来' is typically used in informal contexts, so it may not be appropriate in formal writing or speech. Be careful with the tones: '过' (guò) is pronounced with a falling tone, while '来' (lái) has a rising tone. Common collocations include '过来帮忙' (come over to help) or '过来看看' (come over to take a look).
HSK Study Tips
Although '过来' may not appear in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is useful for learners at HSK 2 level and above. Focus on its usage in everyday situations involving movement or assistance, which will help reinforce other movement-related verbs you learn at this level.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '过来' with '来了' (lái le), which specifically means 'has come.' For example, saying '我已经过来' to mean 'I have come' is incorrect; it should be '我已经来了.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 过来
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 过来 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
The phrase '过来' (guò lái) means 'to come over' or 'to approach.' It is commonly used in everyday conversation to invite someone to come closer or to join a group. Additionally, it can imply the ability to manage a situation or handle a task, showcasing flexibility in its usage.
When to use 过来
'过来' is typically used in informal contexts, so it may not be appropriate in formal writing or speech. Be careful with the tones: '过' (guò) is pronounced with a falling tone, while '来' (lái) has a rising tone. Common collocations include '过来帮忙' (come over to help) or '过来看看' (come over to take a look).
过来 or something close to it
来 (lái) - use 过来 when emphasizing movement towards the speaker, while 来 can be more general.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '过来' with '来了' (lái le), which specifically means 'has come.' For example, saying '我已经过来' to mean 'I have come' is incorrect; it should be '我已经来了.'
Write 过来
过
来
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 过来 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Frequently Asked Questions about 过来
'过来' can be used to invite someone, e.g., '你过来一下' (Come over here for a moment).
'过来' can also be used metaphorically, such as when discussing the ability to manage tasks or situations.
'过来' is mostly informal; in formal contexts, you might choose a different phrase.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 过来?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
