I'm from Japan.

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optimistic pessimist

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2008
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Native Language
Japanese
Home Country
Japan
Current Location
Japan
Dear all,

When I visit New York and introduce myself, is it okay to say, ”I come from Japan"? Or should I say, "I came from Japan"? Or either will be fine?

Thank you!

OP
 
Dear all,

When I visit New York and introduce myself, is it okay to say, ”I come from Japan"? Or should I say, "I came from Japan"? Or either will be fine?

Thank you!

OP

If you want to describe your nationality, then say "I'm Japanese" or "I come from Japan". If you want to tell them where you flew from to get to New York, then say "I came from Japan".
 
I could say 'I came from Japan', but not 'I come from Japan'. ;-)
 
I could say 'I came from Japan', but not 'I come from Japan'. ;-)

Did you mean we can use both in any case ?
I think emsr2d2 has explained very well and I like that explanation.
Thank you very much!
 
Did you mean we can use both in any case ?
I think emsr2d2 has explained very well and I like that explanation.
Thank you very much!

I'm glad you like the explantion, but the answer to your question is no, you cannot use both in any case!

Neither Tdol nor I would be able to say "I come from Japan" because we don't. I come from the UK (I'm British).

We would both be able to say "I came from Japan" if that was where our journey had originated.
 
You say "I come from" to tell people which country you were born and raised in (this never changes); you say "I came from" each time you want to describe just one trip (this changes every time you fly).
 
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