来る vs. 来る
 

I just received an email from a Japanese-learner friend that included a question and I thought I might share it with you all as it is a good question.

The following sentences are both 100% grammatical and natural, which may surprise some of you. What does each sentence mean?　

(Native speakers, please refrain from answering.)

１．　「このバンドは来年日本に来ると思う。」
２．　「このバンドは来年日本で来ると思う。」

That was a nice one. I have to read several times and even use a translator just to confirm .

1. I think this band is coming to Japan next year.

2. I think this band is coming next year to Japan.

keep them coming :ywave:

Sorry, samokan, but you did not get it right. :) I do not see much of a difference between your two sentences.

The two Japanese sentences mean completely different things.

:o research.. i need my grammar book.. thanks for checking ...

1. I think this band will come to Japan next year.

Now, as for #2, I'm guessing で is the..."utility particle"?

2. I think the band will come here by way of Japan next year. [i.e., the speaker is not in Japan, but he's saying the band is going to come to where he is, but before arriving, they will be in Japan first.

Perhaps the speaker is in Taiwan and the band has a layover in Japan?

Just my guess. I honestly was quite surprised to see で来る. Or perhaps the person meant 出来る but didn't use the kanji 出? ;)

edit: unless this is another way of writing 来たる?

If you think that 「来る」 means "to come" in both sentences, you will not even come close in understanding #2.

I knew the question would surprise those with a solid knowledge of basic grammar. I even predicted that in my first post.

I do not support, for a second, writing 「できる」 in kanji as you well know, but even if I did, the phrase 「日本出来る」 would make no sense.

That is all I am going to comment right now. :)

No, that is not it, either. If it were, the particle would still be 「に」.

blah blah blah!　

I hope nobody read my post!

Hi, Sumippi! (What a cute name!)

I thought I had stated:

Maybe you are an incredibly advanced Japanese-learner! :p :D :p

I am sorry! I've just noticed that and came to take back my post, but it was too late!!!