Translation guide
The English verb "call" has many meanings. This guide organizes them by practical use, from naming and contacting to shouting and describing visits.
To give a name or title to a person or thing, or to refer to them by that name.
The most common verb for calling someone by a name or title. Can also mean to invite or summon.
He is called "Sensei" by everyone.
Please call this dog "Pochi."
Specifically means to name someone or something, often used for babies, pets, or new creations.
We named the baby "Hanako."
Formal or literary verb meaning to call oneself or to style oneself as something. Often used in written contexts.
He calls himself a poet.
To make a phone call or contact someone via a communication device.
The standard way to say "call" in the sense of making a phone call. Literally "do telephone."
I'll call you later.
Please call him.
A slightly more explicit phrase meaning "to make a phone call." Often used when emphasizing the action of dialing.
I called the company.
Loanword from English, used in some contexts like calling a taxi or in technical settings, but less common for personal calls.
Please call a taxi.
To say something loudly, often to attract attention.
To shout or yell, often with strong emotion. Can be used for calling out in distress or excitement.
He called for help.
Can also mean to call out to someone, especially to get their attention or summon them.
Literally "to let out a loud voice." Used when describing the act of shouting without specifying words.
To ask someone to come, often for a specific purpose.
The primary verb for summoning someone, such as calling a doctor, a waiter, or a meeting.
Please call a doctor.
I called him to the meeting.
To call someone out, summon them to appear, or page them. Often used for calling someone to a specific location.
Formal term for convening or summoning a group, such as a committee or military personnel.
To call a committee meeting.
To say that someone or something has a particular quality or is a particular thing.
To make a short visit to a place or person.
To drop by or stop at a place on the way to somewhere else. Common for casual visits.
I called on a friend on my way home.
To visit someone, often with a purpose. More intentional than 立ち寄る.
Formal term for visiting, often used for official or scheduled visits.
To make a decision or announcement, such as in a game or contest.
To say that something is necessary or required.
While コールする exists, it is not the natural way to say "call someone on the phone." Use 電話する or 電話をかける instead.
I'll call him.
呼ぶ is used for calling out to someone to get their attention or summon them, while 叫ぶ implies a loud cry or yell, often emotional. Use 呼ぶ for "call someone's name" and 叫ぶ for "shout for help."
What do you call this in Japanese?
Natural phrasing uses 言う (to say) rather than 呼ぶ.
I'll call you back later.
折り返し means 'returning' a call.
Someone is calling me from outside.
He called out in surprise.
I called him to the office.
批評家はその作品を傑作と評した。
The critic called the work a masterpiece.
明日、先生を訪ねる予定です。
I plan to call on my teacher tomorrow.
The ambassador called on the president.
He called spades as trumps.
状況が迅速な行動を求めている。
The situation calls for quick action.