👋👉⏱️

How to Say ‘Hey, come over here for a sec.’ in Japanese

ねえ、ちょっとこっちに来て。

nee chotto kotchi ni ki te

[neh-eh choht-toh KOHT-chee ni kee te]

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is how a parent or close friend gets someone's attention. ねえ is warm and casual, so you wouldn't use it with a stranger or a shop clerk.

Phrase Breakdown

ねえ、ちょっと

nee chotto

hey, just a moment

ねえ is a casual 'hey' to get someone's attention. Stretch the vowel (nee), then say ちょっと with a short pause on っ.

Example

ねえ、ちょっと聞いて。

Hey, listen for a sec.

Words in this phrase

ねえ

nee

[neh-eh]

hey

A casual way to get someone's attention, like 'hey' or 'listen.'

Example

ねえ、ちょっと聞いて。

Hey, listen a second.

ちょっと

chotto

[choht-toh]

a little; just a moment

ちょっと softens the command and means for a moment.

Example

ちょっとまってね。

Wait a moment, okay?

こっちに来て。

kotchi ni ki te

come over here

A casual request using the te-form 来て (come). こっち means 'here / this way'.

Example

みんな、こっちに来て。

Everyone, come over here.

Words in this phrase

こっち

kotchi

[KOHT-chee]

here; this way

Casual word for 'this direction' or 'over here'.

Example

こっちを見て。

Look over here.

に

[ni]

Indicates direction or purpose of an action.

Example

お父さんにプレゼントをあげます。

I will give a present to my father.

来

[kee]

come

From 来る, meaning 'to come.' Used when thanking someone for attending.

Example

会場に来てくれてありがとう。

Thank you for coming to the venue.

て

[te]

and; please do

The て-form ending that connects a verb to the next part, often for requests.

Example

イベントの後で少し話してください。

Please talk with me a little after the event.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”

James O., 28, Remote Worker

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager