The verb 'yobu' covers everything from calling out to someone to inviting them over.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To call someone by name or voice.
- To hail a taxi or service.
- To invite someone to an event.
Overview
- 1概要：「呼ぶ」は、日本語の中で非常に多目的に使われる動詞です。基本的には「名前を呼ぶ」「タクシーを呼ぶ」のように、対象を自分の近くに引き寄せる動作を表します。また、人をイベントや食事に誘う「招待する」という意味でも頻繁に使用されます。
- 1使用パターン：文法的には「〜を呼ぶ」という他動詞の形をとります。誰かを呼ぶ場合は「友達を呼ぶ」、何かを呼び寄せる場合は「タクシーを呼ぶ」のように使います。また、「名前を呼ぶ」という慣用的なフレーズも非常に一般的です。
- 1一般的な文脈：日常生活のあらゆる場面で使われます。例えば、レストランで店員さんを呼ぶとき、遠くにいる友達に声をかけるとき、あるいは家でパーティーを開いて友人を招くときなど、社交的な場面から実用的な場面まで幅広くカバーしています。
Examples
友達をパーティーに呼んだ。
everydayI invited my friends to the party.
先生をお呼びします。
formalI will call the teacher.
タクシーを呼んでくれる？
informalCan you call a taxi for me?
名前を呼ばれたら返事をしてください。
academicPlease answer when your name is called.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
名前で呼ぶ
Call by name
大声で呼ぶ
Call out loudly
人を呼ぶ
Call someone
Often Confused With
Maneku is more formal and often used for official invitations like weddings or ceremonies, while Yobu is general.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Yobu is a versatile verb used for both calling out to someone and inviting them. It is generally informal to neutral. When speaking to superiors, use the humble form 'oyobi-suru' to avoid sounding demanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'yobu' for everything. Remember that 'yobu' isn't always appropriate for formal invitations. Also, avoid using it to summon people in a way that sounds like you are ordering them around.
Tips
Use 'yobu' for casual invitations
When inviting friends to your house, 'yobu' is the most natural choice. It sounds friendly and informal.
Avoid 'yobu' for superiors
Be careful using 'yobu' with superiors; it can sound rude. Use 'oyobi-suru' instead to show respect.
Calling staff in restaurants
In Japan, you often say 'sumimasen' to call staff instead of just shouting 'yobu' actions. It is more polite.
Word Origin
Derived from ancient Japanese 'yobu', referring to the act of projecting one's voice to summon others. It has remained a core verb throughout history.
Cultural Context
In Japan, calling out loudly is often discouraged in public spaces. 'Yobu' is best used when you have clear intent or are in a social setting.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Yo-bu' as 'Yo, come here!' to remember the casual calling function. It's a shout that brings someone closer to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「呼ぶ」は日常的でカジュアルな場面で広く使われます。「招く」はより丁寧で、公式な招待や儀式的な意味合いが強い言葉です。
「タクシーを呼んでください」と言うのが一般的です。電話やアプリで手配する際にもこの表現が使われます。
「呼んだ」となります。否定形は「呼ばない」です。
「呼ぶ」は直接的なので、目上の人に対しては「お呼びする」という謙譲語を使うのが適切です。
Test Yourself
タクシーを___。
タクシーは呼び寄せるものなので「呼ぶ」が正解です。
「友達を呼ぶ」と同じ意味は？
「呼ぶ」には招待するという意味が含まれます。
名前を / 呼んでください / 私の
「私の名前を呼んでください」が自然な語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
The verb 'yobu' covers everything from calling out to someone to inviting them over.
- To call someone by name or voice.
- To hail a taxi or service.
- To invite someone to an event.
Use 'yobu' for casual invitations
When inviting friends to your house, 'yobu' is the most natural choice. It sounds friendly and informal.
Avoid 'yobu' for superiors
Be careful using 'yobu' with superiors; it can sound rude. Use 'oyobi-suru' instead to show respect.
Calling staff in restaurants
In Japan, you often say 'sumimasen' to call staff instead of just shouting 'yobu' actions. It is more polite.
Examples
4 of 4友達をパーティーに呼んだ。
I invited my friends to the party.
先生をお呼びします。
I will call the teacher.
タクシーを呼んでくれる？
Can you call a taxi for me?
名前を呼ばれたら返事をしてください。
Please answer when your name is called.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More communication words
について
A2about; concerning
宛先
B1The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.
番地
A2House number
賛同
B1Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.
~も
A2Too, also.
〜そして
A1And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).
たり
A2Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').
〜や
A2And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).
お知らせ
B1Notice; an announcement or communication.
答え
A2A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.
