motte iku vs. motte kuru
If you have read some of my other post, you probably know by now that I try to avoid over explaining things. Too many times learners of Japanese get caught up in the language and the grammatical approach to learning Japanese. I also went through this stage, don’t regret it, but feel that Japanese can be acquired quicker by keeping it simple. Like anything else, get as much input from others who have traveled this road before you and incorporate it into your arsenal.
Don’t overly concern yourself with the exceptions. There are always exceptions.
I remember when I first came across motte iku and motte kuru. In my mind I just wanted to say “bring” and kept using the wrong words.
Keeping it simple. When you start off, remember this:
motte kuru = bring
motte iku = take
motte kaeru = bring home or take home
1st person, 2nd person, 3rd person…aaaaaaaaah!
The usage will vary depending on if you are
A-san taking something to B-san’s house
B-san asking A-san to bring something
A-san in the car with B-san going to C-san’s house.
As you get used to these and other compound verbs you will be able to discern their usages.
tabete iku = eat and (then) go
tabete kuru = eat and (then) come
Just gather as many examples as you can and things will begin to make sense.
