Translation guide
The English word 'called' has several distinct uses: naming something, summoning someone, making a phone call, describing a visit, or shouting. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
To say what someone or something is named or referred to as.
The most common way to say 'called' when giving a name. Attach directly to the name.
This is a tea called 'matcha'.
I met a person called Mr. Tanaka.
Literally 'is called', slightly more formal or written. Often used for widely known names.
This flower is called sakura.
Used as a modifier before a noun: 'a [thing] called [name]'.
To ask someone to come, or to call out for someone.
General verb for calling someone over, summoning, or calling out a name.
To contact someone by phone.
To go to someone's place or a location briefly.
To say something loudly, often to attract attention.
To shout, yell, or scream.
The loanword コール is mainly used in specific contexts like 'call center' or 'taxi call'. For general phone calls, use 電話する.
呼ぶ means to summon someone to you, while 訪ねる means to go visit someone. They are not interchangeable.
I have a dog called Pochi.
彼を呼んでください。
Please call him (over).
I called for help.
To call someone out (e.g., from a room), summon officially, or page someone.
I was called to a meeting.
Literally 'to place a phone call', slightly more explicit.
I called him.
Casual loanword from English, used in some contexts like calling a taxi or in tech.
To call a taxi.
To visit someone (at their home, office, etc.).
I called on a friend yesterday.
To drop by, stop over. Implies a short, casual visit.
I called in at a convenience store on the way home.
To stop by, drop in. Very common in casual speech.
Want to call in for a bit?
He called out for help.
To say in a loud voice, less intense than 叫ぶ.
He called out the name loudly.