N3

〜ていく vs 〜てくる

Learn to compare 〜ていく and 〜てくる by tracking direction, time, and viewpoint.

Choose 〜ていく or 〜てくる based on temporal and spatial viewpoint.Explain the nuance difference between future-oriented and present-reaching change.Read trend statements more accurately.

Guided study

The Basic Contrast

A simple way to compare them is this: 〜てくる points toward 'here / now,' while 〜ていく points away from 'here / now.' That 'here' may be physical space or the speaker's present point in time.

気温が下がってきた。

The temperature has been dropping.

The change has reached the present.

Interactive word chips will appear once token metadata is added.

気温が下がっていく。

The temperature will keep dropping.

The change continues onward from now.

Interactive word chips will appear once token metadata is added.