chamar — meaning in English: to call

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 'chamar' in both casual and formal settings. For example, you might hear it used when someone is calling a friend to join them for coffee or when a teacher is calling students to the front of the class to present their projects.

Synonyms & nuances

'Chamar' is often compared to 'ligar,' which also means 'to call,' but 'ligar' specifically refers to calling someone on the phone. You would choose 'chamar' when referring to summoning someone in person, while 'ligar' is suitable for telephone contexts.

Culture

'Chamar' has its roots in the Latin word 'clamare,' which means 'to shout or call out.' This reflects how integral calling is in social interactions in Portuguese-speaking cultures, where communication is key. Interestingly, 'chamar' can also be used colloquially to mean to attract attention, like calling someone over in a busy market.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 'chamar' in English?

'Chamar' translates to 'to call' in English. It can refer to calling someone over, summoning, or even naming someone or something.

Q.How do you conjugate 'chamar' in the present tense?

In the present tense, 'chamar' is conjugated as: eu chamo (I call), tu chamas (you call), ele/ela chama (he/she calls), nós chamamos (we call), vós chamais (you all call), eles/elas chamam (they call).

Q.Is there a difference between 'chamar' and 'convocar'?

'Chamar' is a more general term for calling or summoning someone, while 'convocar' is more formal and often used in official contexts, such as calling a meeting or an assembly.

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Portuguese Vocabulary