llamar
call
Es pedir la atención de alguien usando la voz o un teléfono.
Definition & meaning
The verb llamar is a high-frequency verb in Spanish with several distinct meanings:
- To call (by phone or voice): To contact someone via telephone or to shout out to someone to get their attention.
- To name or call someone something: To give a name to a person or thing, or to refer to them by a specific title (e.g., "I call him John").
- To knock or ring: To signal one's presence at a door (e.g., "someone is knocking at the door").
- To attract or draw (attention): To pull someone's focus toward something (e.g., "to catch one's attention").
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is a regular -ar verb. It is often used reflexively (llamarse ) when stating one's name.
- Word origin: It comes from the Latin word clamare, which means "to cry out" or "to shout."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Telefonear : To make a phone call.
- Vociferar : To shout or cry out loudly.
- Denominar : To name or designate.
- Atraer : To attract (used in contexts like "llamar la atención").
- Tocar : Used specifically for knocking on a door.
Antonyms:
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Examples
Voy a llamar a mi madre por teléfono.verb
I am going to call my mother on the phone.
Voy a llamar a mis padres esta noche.verb
I am going to call my parents tonight.
Voy a llamar a mi amiga esta noche.verb
I am going to call my friend tonight.
Puedes llamarme cuando quieras.verb
You can call me whenever you want.
Quiero llamar a mi amigo ahora.verb
I want to call my friend now.
Él llama a su amigo todos los días.verb
He calls his friend every day.
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