Translation guide
The English verb "invoke" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: calling upon a higher power, citing a rule or principle, evoking a feeling or image, and summoning a spirit. It also notes technical uses in computing and law.
To appeal to a god, spirit, or powerful entity for assistance, protection, or inspiration.
General verb for 'pray', often used when invoking divine help. Can be used with ～に (to) to specify the deity.
They invoked God's help.
Literally 'seek divine protection'. A more formal or literary way to express invoking a deity's protection.
Before the battle, they invoked the gods' protection.
Formal term for offering a prayer or petition, often used in religious or ceremonial contexts.
The monk invoked peace.
To mention or use a law, rule, principle, or famous person to support an argument or action.
Common verb meaning 'bring up' or 'cite' (a rule, reason, etc.), often with a nuance of using it as an excuse or justification.
He always invokes the rules.
To invoke or put into effect (a law, clause, emergency measure). Used in legal or official contexts.
The government invoked the emergency clause.
To cause a particular feeling, memory, or image to appear in someone's mind.
To evoke, summon up (a memory, feeling, image). The most direct and common equivalent for this sense.
That song invokes nostalgic memories.
To make someone recall or think of something. More formal/literary than 呼び起こす.
The scent invokes thoughts of home.
To arouse or evoke (a feeling, interest, attention). Often used in formal or psychological contexts.
The footage invokes fear.
To call upon a spirit, demon, or ghost to appear, often through a ritual.
General verb for 'summon' or 'call out'. Can be used for spirits, but also for calling a person or a taxi. Context clarifies the supernatural sense.
The sorcerer invoked an evil spirit.
Formal term for 'summon', often used in fantasy, games, or occult contexts for summoning entities.
They invoke a spirit through a ritual.
In computing, to start a process, function, or subroutine.
The standard term for 'call' or 'invoke' in programming. Used for functions, methods, APIs, etc.
Invoking this function causes an error.
To start up or launch a program or process. Less specific than 呼び出す but used for invoking applications or services.
Invoking the script starts the backup.
The verb 呼ぶ (yobu) means 'to call' but is too vague for most senses of 'invoke'. Use the compound verbs or phrases listed above for precision.
Both mean 'evoke', but 呼び起こす is more common for memories and emotions in everyday language, while 喚起する is formal and often used for abstract concepts like 'interest' or 'awareness'.
To cite something as an example or reference, often to support one's point. Slightly more formal than 持ち出す.
The lawyer invoked past precedents.