Translation guide
A summons is an official order to appear somewhere, usually in a legal or formal context. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 召喚状 (shōkanjō) for a court summons, but the concept can also be expressed with verbs like 呼び出す (yobidasu) or nouns like 呼び出し (yobidashi). The choice depends on the formality and the nature of the summons.
An official document ordering someone to appear in court.
The standard term for a court summons. It is a formal, written document.
I received a summons from the court.
He received a summons as a witness.
The act of summoning, often used in legal contexts. Can be used as a noun or verb (召喚する).
The judge summoned the witness.
A formal order to appear, often used in legal or official contexts. More specific than 召喚状.
The police issued a summons for him to appear.
A call or request to come to a place, often from an authority figure.
A general term for a summons or call to appear. Can be used in workplaces, schools, or by authorities.
I got a summons from my boss.
The verb form meaning 'to summon' or 'to call out'. Commonly used in everyday situations.
Polite form of 呼び出し, often used in customer service or formal announcements.
Calling forth a creature or entity through magic or special power.
召喚状 is specifically a legal document, while 呼び出し is a general summons or call to appear. Use 召喚状 for court orders and 呼び出し for everyday situations like being called to the boss's office.
Ignoring a court summons can lead to arrest.
I got a summons during the meeting.
English 'summons' implies obligation, not a request. In Japanese, 招待 (shōtai) means invitation. Do not use 招待 for a summons.
He was summoned to the principal's office.
先生が私を職員室に呼び出した。
The teacher summoned me to the staff room.
Paging a customer (literally: We are summoning you, honored guest).
He chanted a spell to summon a familiar.
彼は精霊を呼び出した。
He summoned a spirit.