Translation guide
The English phrase "call in" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: making a phone call to a place, requesting someone's presence or services, and demanding repayment of a loan. It also touches on less common meanings like visiting briefly or officially summoning someone.
To make a phone call to a specific location, such as calling in sick to work or calling in to a radio program.
General phrase for making a phone call. Use with the location as the target.
会社に電話をかけて、病気で休むことを伝えた。
I called in to work and told them I was taking a sick day.
Casual, shorter version of 電話をかける.
ラジオ番組に電話して、リクエストを出した。
I called in to the radio show and made a request.
Means 'to contact', not specifically by phone, but often used for calling in to report something.
遅刻するので、上司に連絡した。
I called in to my boss because I was going to be late.
To ask someone to come, especially for help or professional services (e.g., call in a plumber, call in a favor).
General verb for calling someone over or summoning. Works for people and services.
水道が漏れたので、配管工を呼んだ。
The pipe was leaking, so I called in a plumber.
Means 'to ask/request' someone to do something. Often used for calling in a favor or service.
Formal term for summoning a group, like calling in experts or a committee.
緊急会議のために全社員を招集した。
All employees were called in for an emergency meeting.
To officially request that a loan be repaid, often used in banking or finance.
Standard phrase meaning 'to demand repayment'.
銀行は期限が過ぎたローンを返済するよう求めた。
The bank called in the overdue loan.
Means 'to collect' or 'recover' money. Often used in financial contexts.
金融機関が不良債権を回収した。
The financial institution called in the bad debts.
To stop by a place for a short visit, often on the way to somewhere else.
Means 'to drop in' or 'stop by'. Very common for casual visits.
帰りに友達の家に立ち寄った。
I called in on a friend on my way home.
Casual, shorter version of 立ち寄る.
ちょっとコンビニに寄って行くね。
I'll call in at the convenience store real quick.
To order someone to appear or report for duty, often by an authority.
Means 'to summon' or 'call out'. Used for police, court, or official requests.
警察は目撃者を署に呼び出した。
The police called in the witness to the station.
Formal term for mustering troops or calling up reservists.
軍は予備役を召集した。
The military called in the reserves.
Do not translate 'call in' word-for-word as 呼ぶ中 or similar. It will not be understood. Always use the appropriate Japanese phrase for the specific meaning.
Use 呼ぶ when summoning a person or service to come physically. Use 電話する when making a phone call. Context determines which is appropriate for 'call in'.
I called in a favor from him.