Japanese word of the day: 呼ぶ (Yobu)

What does 呼ぶ (Yobu) mean?

呼ぶ (Yobu) (う-verb, transitive) – To call; to invite; to summon; to name. This verb is used when you call out to someone, invite someone to come, or name/call something by a certain name. It’s a common and versatile verb in daily conversation.

Kanji details for 呼

Character: 呼 (call, call out to, invite)
Radical: mouth, opening 口

Example sentences with 呼ぶ (Yobu)

• 友達を呼びました。
  (Tomodachi o yobimashita.)
  📞 I called my friend.

• 先生を呼んでください。
  (Sensei o yonde kudasai.)
  👩‍🏫 Please call the teacher.

• 彼は私を名前で呼びます。
  (Kare wa watashi o namae de yobimasu.)
  🗣️ He calls me by my name.

Confused about how to conjugate 呼ぶ?
Our conjugation tables can help.

呼ぶ (Yobu) in context

呼ぶ is a fundamental verb you’ll use when you want to get someone’s attention, invite people to events, or refer to someone or something by name. It’s common in everyday situations, from calling a taxi to inviting friends over.

A quick tip: The te-form 呼んで (yonde) is often used in requests and commands, like “先生を呼んでください” (Please call the teacher).

Whether you’re making a phone call, calling out to a friend, or inviting someone to join you, 呼ぶ is the essential verb for calling and inviting in Japanese.