verb HSK 6
Traditional 傳喚
to summon · to subpoena · to call in for questioning
Meaning
传唤 is a formal legal term meaning to officially summon someone, typically to appear before authorities, court, or for police questioning. It carries an official, authoritative tone and is commonly used in legal, judicial, and law enforcement contexts.
Usage
This word is primarily used in formal, legal, and official contexts. Police, courts, and government authorities use 传唤 when they require someone's presence for investigation or testimony. It's more formal than simply 'calling' someone and implies legal obligation. Rarely used in everyday casual conversation.
Examples
- 01警方传唤他到派出所接受调查。.The police summoned him to the station for questioning.
- 02法院传唤了几名关键证人出庭作证。.The court summoned several key witnesses to testify.
Characters
Measure words
- 次一次传唤
Common collocations
- 传唤证人to summon a witness
- 被传唤to be summoned
- 传唤到案to summon to court/for case
- 法院传唤court summons
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to calling or summoning. 传 originally meant to pass along or transmit, while 唤 means to call out. Together they form a compound emphasizing an official summons.