Translation and Meaning of: 呼ぶ - yobu

The Japanese word 「呼ぶ」 (yobu) primarily means "to call" or "to invoke." The etymology of 「呼ぶ」 traces back to the kanji characters used: 「呼」 which is composed of the radicals 「口」 (kuchi) meaning "mouth" and 「乎」 which indicates a sound directed towards something or someone, representing interaction through speech. This construction directly refers to the act of calling someone using the voice.

The expression 「呼ぶ」 is widely used in everyday Japanese in various contexts. In addition to describing the action of calling, the word is also used to refer to inviting someone to an event or calling a taxi, for example. When adapted to formal or informal situations, the word retains its essence and flexibility, making it a versatile tool in interpersonal communication. In the Japanese language, variations of this word convey nuances of meaning based on the context, something that is quite evident in daily conversations.

Use of the Word

• Call someone by name
• Invoke gods or spirits in ceremonies
• Invite to parties or events
• Request services, such as calling a taxi.

Furthermore, 「呼ぶ」 has variations that assign meaning to events in the past, present, or future, such as 「呼ばれる」 (yobareru), which means "to be called" and employs the passive form, bringing with it the flexibility of the Japanese language to easily address who executes or receives the action. This adaptability makes the word an essential element in the grammar and practice of contemporary Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 招く (Maneku) - Invite, call someone to come closer.
• 呼びかける (Yobikakeru) - Call someone, usually to attract attention or make an invitation.
• 召す (Mesu) - Call (usually used in an honorific manner) or summon.
• 呼び出す (Yobidasu) - Call someone out, summon.
• 呼び止める (Yobitomeru) - Call to stop, interrupt someone.
• 呼び寄せる (Yobiyoseru) - Call to come closer, summon to come.
• 呼び込む (Yobikomu) - Call inside, summon to enter.
• 呼び戻す (Yobimodasu) - Call back, summon someone who has withdrawn.
• 呼び覚ます (Yobisamasu) - To call to awaken, usually from sleep or a state of unconsciousness.
• 呼び起こす (Yobiochosu) - Call to awaken or bring to mind.

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呼ぶ

Romaji: yobu
Kana: よぶ
Type: Noun, Verb
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: to call; to invite

Meaning in English: to call out;to invite

Definition: Use your voice to get the other person's attention.

Example Sentences - (呼ぶ) yobu

See below some example sentences:

類は友を呼ぶ

rui wa tomo o yobu

Birds of a feather flock together

Kindly call a friend

• 類 (rui) - means "type" or "category"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 友 (tomo) - It means "friend"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 呼ぶ (yobu) - means "to call" or "to summon"

卯年は兎年とも呼ばれます。

U年はうさぎ年ともよばれます。

The rabbit year is also called the rabbit year.

The rabbit year is also called the rabbit year.

• 卯年 - year of the rabbit in the Chinese calendar
• は - Topic particle
• 兎年 - year of the rabbit in the Japanese calendar
• とも - also
• 呼ばれます - is called