What does “show up” mean?
show up usually means to arrive or appear. In conversation, it can also mean that something appears or arrives; show up with can mean to arrive bringing something or to arrive with someone.
When people say it
- For a person arriving: "What time should I show up?"
- For people coming to an event: "People just show up and start dancing."
- For something appearing or arriving: "My suitcase didn’t show up on the carousel."
- For bringing something or arriving in a certain state: "He showed up with flowers." / "I’ll show up hungry."
Tone: Casual to neutral and very common in everyday speech. It is natural with friends, work plans, and daily situations, but a bit less formal than arrive.
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Other ways to say it
Also means "arrive" or "appear"; very common in British English, but natural in other varieties too.
Means come to a place for a short visit, often casually.
More neutral and a little more formal; less conversational than show up.
Quick answers
What is the difference between show up and come?
Both can mean arriving, but show up puts more focus on the person appearing or finally getting there. Come is broader and more general.
Does show up with mean "appear with someone"?
Sometimes, yes. "Show up with flowers" means arrive bringing flowers, while "show up with my brother" means arrive together with my brother.