Translation guide
The phrasal verb "come up" has several distinct meanings. This guide organizes them by practical use, from physical movement toward the speaker to abstract ideas like arising topics or approaching events.
Emphasizes the action of approaching. Can be used for people or things.
知らない人が近づいてきた。
A stranger came up to me.
Specifically means 'to come up' as in ascending (stairs, a hill, etc.). Only for upward movement.
階段を上がってきてください。
Please come up the stairs.
To come up to someone in order to start a conversation.
The most natural way to say someone came up and started talking to you.
街で知らない人に話しかけられた。
A stranger came up to me on the street.
Focuses on the physical approach, often with an implication of initiating contact.
彼がにこにこしながら近寄ってきた。
He came up to me with a smile.
When a subject, problem, or opportunity is mentioned or occurs unexpectedly.
Used when a topic comes up in conversation.
会議でその問題が話題に出た。
The issue came up in the meeting.
Often used for problems, issues, or matters that arise, sometimes unexpectedly.
新しい問題が持ち上がった。
A new problem has come up.
More formal, used for incidents, problems, or events occurring.
システムにエラーが発生しました。
An error has come up in the system.
When something is scheduled to happen soon.
General expression for something coming up in time.
試験が近づいている。
The exam is coming up.
Casual way to say something is coming up soon.
夏休みはもうすぐだね。
Summer vacation is coming up soon, isn't it?
Implies a sense of urgency, often used for deadlines.
締め切りが迫っている。
The deadline is coming up.
When the sun or moon appears above the horizon.
When someone's name is brought up, e.g., in a discussion or for a position.
Used when someone's name comes up as a candidate or topic.
彼の名前が候補に挙がった。
His name came up as a candidate.
Similar to 話題に出る, but slightly more formal.
その件が会議で話題に上った。
The matter came up in the meeting.
To think of or produce an idea, solution, or plan.
The most common way to say 'come up with an idea'.
いいアイデアを思いついた。
I came up with a good idea.
Implies devising or inventing something through effort, often a method or system.
English 'come up' is a phrasal verb with many meanings. Avoid directly translating 'come' and 'up' separately. Use the appropriate Japanese expression for the specific meaning.
問題が持ち上がった。
A problem came up.
上がる (あがる) is general 'to rise/go up'. 昇る (のぼる) is specifically for celestial bodies or climbing. 上る (のぼる) is for going up stairs, slopes, etc. For 'come up' as in approach, use 近づいてくる or こっちに来る.
彼女の名前が会話に出た。
Her name came up in the conversation.
Emphasizes the process of thinking something up.
新しい計画を考え出した。
We came up with a new plan.
They came up with a new sales strategy.