Venha aqui
Literally: Come here
Use it whenever you want someone to physically join you or see what you are looking at.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'Come here' in Portuguese.
- Used for friends, family, and polite professional requests.
- Can be adjusted for formality by changing the tone.
Meaning
This is the most common way to ask someone to move toward you. It is the Portuguese equivalent of saying 'Come here' in English.
Key Examples
3 of 6Showing a friend a funny video
Venha aqui ver esse vídeo!
Come here and see this video!
Calling a child to put on shoes
Filho, venha aqui agora.
Son, come here now.
Asking a colleague to look at a screen
Por favor, venha aqui um minuto.
Please, come here for a minute.
Cultural Background
In Brazilian culture, 'Venha aqui' is often the prelude to a 'fofoca' (gossip) or a warm embrace. It signifies a breaking of distance, which is highly valued in Lusophone societies that prioritize social closeness over personal space.
The Finger Gesture
In Brazil, when you say this, palm your hand down and 'scratch' the air toward you. Using one finger pointing up (the US way) can sometimes be seen as rude or overly seductive!
Don't Sound Like a Boss
If you use a very loud, descending tone, it sounds like a command. Soften it with a 'por favor' or a smile to keep it friendly.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'Come here' in Portuguese.
- Used for friends, family, and polite professional requests.
- Can be adjusted for formality by changing the tone.
What It Means
Venha aqui is a direct invitation or command for someone to approach you. It combines the verb vir (to come) with the adverb aqui (here). It is clear, functional, and essential for daily life.
How To Use It
You use it when you want someone to physically move to your location. In Brazil, you will often hear it with a soft 'nh' sound. It is incredibly versatile. You can say it gently to a child or firmly to a dog that is chasing a pigeon. Just point to the ground near your feet for extra emphasis. It works perfectly in person or even over a video call if you want someone to look at your screen.
When To Use It
Use it when you find something cool and want to show a friend. It is perfect at a party when the music is too loud to talk from across the room. Use it at the office when a colleague needs to see a document on your desk. It is also the standard way to call a waiter over if they are nearby. If you are feeling affectionate, a soft venha aqui followed by a hug is a classic move.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it with a harsh tone with your boss; it might sound like you are giving them an order. Do not use it if the person is very far away; shouting venha aqui across a football field is a bit much. In those cases, a wave is better. Also, if you are in Portugal, you might hear vem cá more often in casual settings. Using venha aqui there can sometimes feel a bit more distant or formal than intended.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers are generally very physical and social. Calling someone over is not just about logistics; it is about connection. In Brazil, there is a famous hospitality. If someone says venha aqui, they are often inviting you into their personal space or their home. It is the start of a conversation, a meal, or a shared secret. It reflects a culture that values proximity and 'estar junto' (being together).
Common Variations
Vem cá: The most common informal version in Brazil. It feels like a warm 'come here, friend.'Chega mais: A very cool, slangy way to say 'approach' or 'join us.'Venha cá: A hybrid version often heard in Northeastern Brazil.Vem aqui: A slightly more grammatically relaxed version used in casual speech.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but can lean toward formal or informal depending on the verb conjugation (Venha vs. Vem). In Brazil, 'Venha' is often used even in casual settings in the Northeast, while the South/Southeast might prefer 'Vem'.
The Finger Gesture
In Brazil, when you say this, palm your hand down and 'scratch' the air toward you. Using one finger pointing up (the US way) can sometimes be seen as rude or overly seductive!
Don't Sound Like a Boss
If you use a very loud, descending tone, it sounds like a command. Soften it with a 'por favor' or a smile to keep it friendly.
The 'Cá' vs 'Aqui' Secret
In Portugal, 'cá' is much more common for 'here' when movement is involved. In Brazil, 'aqui' is the king of the street.
Examples
6Venha aqui ver esse vídeo!
Come here and see this video!
Very common for sharing something interesting on a phone.
Filho, venha aqui agora.
Son, come here now.
A gentle command used by parents.
Por favor, venha aqui um minuto.
Please, come here for a minute.
Adding 'por favor' makes it professional.
Bibi, venha aqui!
Bibi, come here!
Short and sharp for commands.
Venha aqui dar um abraço na vovó.
Come here and give grandma a hug.
Used to express affection and closeness.
Ei, você! Venha aqui me ajudar com isso.
Hey, you! Come here and help me with this.
Used playfully with friends when you're 'lazy'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase for 'Come here'.
___ aqui, por favor.
'Venha' is the imperative form of 'vir' (to come), while 'Vai' means 'Go' and 'Fica' means 'Stay'.
Complete the informal version of the phrase.
Vem ___.
'Vem cá' is the standard informal equivalent of 'Venha aqui'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Come Here'
Very casual among friends
Chega mais
Standard for friends/family
Vem cá
Polite and clear
Venha aqui
Very respectful/distant
Poderia vir aqui?
Where to use 'Venha aqui'
At the office
Checking a report
At home
Calling kids to dinner
In a shop
Asking for help
Socializing
Sharing a secret
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily! It depends on your tone. If said with a smile, it is perfectly polite; if barked, it sounds like a command.
Vem cá is more informal and common in Brazil, while Venha aqui is slightly more standard or neutral.
Yes, but it is better to say Por favor first to get the waiter's attention before asking them to come over.
No, Vem is also very common. Venha is technically the formal imperative, but in Brazil, it is used quite naturally in many regions.
In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, people often mix the 'tu' (vem) and 'você' (venha) forms. Both are understood perfectly.
You would say Venham aqui. Adding the 'm' at the end makes it plural for a group of people.
Yes, but you are much more likely to hear Vem cá or Venha cá in Portugal.
It literally means 'arrive more,' but it is a very common slang for 'come closer' or 'join the group'.
Yes, it's fine, though Vem cá or just Vem! is more common in quick texts between friends.
There is also ali and lá, but those mean 'there'. Cá is the other word for 'here', usually implying movement toward the speaker.
Related Phrases
Vem cá
Come here (informal)
Chega mais
Come closer / Join us
Dê um pulo aqui
Drop by / Swing by here
Aproxime-se
Approach (formal)
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