Come by Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈkəm/ /ˈbaɪ

KUHM-by

UK

kˈʌm/ /bˈaɪ

KUM-by

Definition

To obtain or find something, especially something rare or difficult to get; also, to visit a place or person briefly.

Usage & Nuances

Commonly used in informal speech. 'Come by' meaning 'obtain' often refers to things hard to get ('good jobs are hard to come by'). As 'visit', usually implies a short, casual stop ('come by my office'). Not the same as 'go by', which relates to passing time or places.

• Spanish: conseguir - pasar por (visitar)
• Portuguese (BR): conseguir - passar por (visitar)
• Portuguese (PT): conseguir - passar por (visitar)
• Chinese (Simplified): 得到 - 顺路来（拜访）
• Chinese (Traditional): 得到 - 順路來（拜訪）
• Hindi: हासिल करना - आते जाना (मुलाक़ात करना)
• Arabic: يحصل على - يمر (زيارة)
• Bengali: পাওয়া - আসা (কেউ দেখা করতে)
• Russian: достать - зайти
• Japanese: 手に入れる - ちょっと立ち寄る
• Vietnamese: kiếm được - ghé qua
• Korean: 구하다 - 들르다
• Turkish: bulmak - uğramak
• Urdu: حاصل کرنا - چلتے چلتے آنا
• Indonesian: mendapatkan - mampir

Example Sentences

Good friends are hard to come by.

basic

Can you come by my house this afternoon?

basic

Fresh vegetables are hard to come by in winter.

basic

If you come by, I'll make you some coffee.

natural

She managed to come by some rare stamps for her collection.

natural

Just come by whenever you're free—no need to call ahead.

natural