viens

Viens is a French word that functions as two related forms of the verb venir. It is the second-person singular present indicative form: tu viens, meaning “you come” or “you are coming.” It is also the second-person singular imperative form: viens!, meaning “come!” when directing someone familiar to come to the speaker or to a place.

In standard usage, viens is used to invite or command someone to move toward the speaker. Examples include Viens ici (Come here), Viens chez moi (Come to my house), or Tu viens quand? (When are you coming?). The word is part of the irregular verb venir, whose present tense forms are je viens, tu viens, il vient, nous venons, vous venez, ils viennent. The imperative forms are viens (tu) and venez (vous).

Pronunciation is approximately [vjɛ̃]. The final s is typically silent, though a liaison may occur in rapid speech before a following vowel in phrases such as viens ici, where a linking sound can appear.

Etymology traces viens to the verb venir, itself derived from Old French venir and ultimately from Latin venire, meaning “to come.” As a basic and highly common verb, venir and its forms, including viens, appear frequently in everyday French.

See also: venir, French verb conjugation, imperative mood.