llamar
/ʝaˈmaɾ/
To summon in Spanish can be expressed as llamar or citar.
Meaning: to ask someone to come (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| llamar | /ʝaˈmaɾ/ |
| citar | /θiˈtaɾ/ /siˈtaɾ/ |
The choice of word for summon depends on whether you are making a general call or an official requirement. llamar is used for general situations, such as calling someone's name or calling them on the phone. citar is used when the summoning is an official or legal requirement, such as a court summons or a formal appointment. In highly formal contexts, you may also use convocar or requerir.
Which one should you use?
Use llamar for general situations like calling someone's name or calling them on the phone.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using llamar to mean calling a person, you must include the preposition a before the person being called (e.g., llamar a alguien).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝaˈmaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word cita derived from citar can mean both a professional appointment and a romantic date.
- While llamar means to summon or call, it is also the standard way to say 'to be named' when used with the verb 'llamarse'.
- The English word 'clamor', used to describe a loud noise or public outcry, is a cognate of the Spanish llamar.
Examples in context
- El director convocó a todos los empleados a una reunión de emergencia.The director summoned all the employees to an emergency meeting.
- La autoridad requerirá su presencia en el juicio.The authority will summon you to the trial.
- El abogado citó al acusado a comparecer ante el juez.The lawyer summoned the accused to appear before the judge.
- Debes llamar al médico ahora mismo.You must call the doctor right now.
- ¿Puedes llamar al técnico para reparar la lavadora?Can you call the technician to fix the washing machine?
- Voy a llamar al mensajero para que venga.I am going to call the messenger to come.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are at home when they realize they need help with a broken appliance.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿puedes llamar al electricista?Daniel, can you call the electrician?
- DanielSí, lo llamaré ahora mismo.Yes, I will call him right now.
- MaríaGracias, espero que él pueda venir pronto.Thank you, I hope he can come soon.
- DanielNo te preocupes, ya lo estoy llamando.Don't worry, I am calling him now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “summon” translations and entries llamar, citar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries citar, llamar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
