verb HSK 1
to call · to be called · to order · to ask/tell someone to do something
Meaning
叫 is an extremely common verb with multiple related meanings. Most basically, it means 'to call' or 'to shout.' It's also used to state someone's name (我叫... = I am called...) and to order food or services. Additionally, it can mean 'to ask/tell someone to do something.'
Usage
This is one of the first verbs learners encounter. Use 叫 when introducing yourself (我叫李明) or asking someone's name (你叫什么名字?). It's also the standard verb for ordering in restaurants (叫菜). In the sense of 'to tell someone to do something,' it's followed by another verb (叫他来 = tell him to come).
Examples
- 01我叫王明,很高兴认识你。, .My name is Wang Ming, nice to meet you.
- 02妈妈叫我去买菜。.Mom told me to go buy groceries.
Common collocations
- 叫名字to call someone's name
- 叫外卖to order takeout/delivery
- 叫出租车to call a taxi
- 叫醒to wake someone up
Origin
The character 叫 combines the mouth radical 口 with the phonetic component 丩, indicating a vocal action of calling out.