呼び出す

よびだす

to summon, to call (e.g., phone)

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 呼び出す (よびだす) means "to call out," "to summon," or "to call (someone) over," often implying an intentional act of requesting someone's presence. It is commonly used in contexts such as calling a person to a meeting, summoning help, or contacting someone by phone.

Common Contexts

  • Calling a person to come to a specific place (e.g., a teacher, technician).
  • Summoning emergency services or authorities.
  • Calling someone on the phone, especially in a formal or urgent context.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 〜を呼び出す: to call/summon someone.
  • 緊急に呼び出す: to urgently summon.
  • 電話で呼び出す: to call by phone.

Register and Nuance

呼び出す is generally neutral but can sound formal or serious depending on context, especially when used for summoning authorities or in emergencies. It is less casual than simply saying 呼ぶ (よぶ).

Common Learner Mistake

Confusing 呼び出す with 呼ぶ. 呼ぶ is more general "to call" or "to invite," while 呼び出す emphasizes the act of summoning or calling someone out, often with a sense of urgency or formality. Use 呼び出す when you want to stress the act of summoning or calling someone to a place or for a purpose.

Example Sentences

せんせいをよびだして、そうだんしたいことがあります。

I want to call the teacher and discuss something.

きんきゅうじにはけいさつをよびだしてください。

Please call the police in case of emergency.

コンピューターのエラーがでたので、ぎじゅつしゃをよびだした。

Because a computer error occurred, I summoned a technician.