Meaning and Usage
The verb 招く (まねく) primarily means "to invite" someone to an event or place, such as a party or meeting. It is commonly used in social contexts when you want to ask someone to join you.
Besides the literal meaning of inviting people, 招く can also mean "to cause" or "to bring about" something, often something negative like trouble or problems. This usage is common in formal or written Japanese.
Another common use is to "beckon" or "gesture someone to come closer," which is a physical invitation rather than a verbal one.
Common Collocations and Patterns
- 〜に招く: to invite to (a place or event)
- トラブルを招く: to cause trouble
- 手で招く: to beckon with the hand
Register and Nuance
招く is polite and neutral, suitable for both casual and formal situations depending on context. When used to mean "cause," it often appears in news reports or formal writing.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse 招く with 呼ぶ (よぶ), which also means "to call" or "to invite" but is more general and can mean calling out someone's name or summoning. 招く often implies a formal or intentional invitation or causing an effect.
When using 招く to mean "cause," it usually refers to negative outcomes, so avoid using it for positive results.