Inklingo

How to Say "called" in Spanish

English → Spanish

llamado

ya-MA-doʎaˈma.ðo

adjectiveA2general
Use this when introducing someone's name, similar to 'named' or 'called'.
A child introducing a unique, friendly, brightly colored creature by pointing at it, symbolizing the act of naming.

Examples

Conozco a un chico llamado Miguel.

I know a boy named Miguel.

Hay una película nueva llamada "Aventura en la Selva".

There's a new movie called "Adventure in the Jungle".

El llamado "artista" presentó una obra que nadie entendió.

The so-called "artist" presented a work that nobody understood.

Matching the Noun

As an adjective, llamado changes to match the person or thing it describes. Use llamado for masculine things and llamada for feminine things. For example: un perro llamado Fido (a male dog) vs. una gata llamada Luna (a female cat).

Forgetting to Change the Ending

Mistake: “Una mujer llamado Ana.”

Correction: Say `Una mujer llamada Ana.` The ending `-a` must match `mujer`, which is feminine.

citado

see-TAH-dohsiˈtaðo

adjectiveB1formal
Use this when referring to a scheduled meeting or appointment at a specific place and time.
A formal invitation letter with a gold seal lying on a wooden table.

Examples

Estoy citado con el médico a las cinco de la tarde.

I have an appointment with the doctor at five in the afternoon.

El testigo fue citado para declarar mañana.

The witness was summoned to testify tomorrow.

Todos los empleados están citados en la sala de juntas.

All employees are called to meet in the boardroom.

Matching the Person

Since this word acts like an adjective here, it must match the gender and number of the people it describes: 'Él está citado' but 'Ellas están citadas'.

The 'Action' vs 'State' rule

Use 'ser citado' when talking about the act of being called (passive voice) and 'estar citado' when describing the state of having a scheduled appointment.

Using 'Have' instead of 'To Be'

Mistake: “Tengo citado con el dentista.”

Correction: Estoy citado con el dentista (or 'Tengo una cita'). In Spanish, you 'are' summoned/appointed, you don't 'have' it as an adjective.

titulado

tee-too-LAH-dohtituˈlaðo

adjectiveA2general
Use this specifically when referring to the title of a work, like a book, article, or movie.
A thick hardcover book with a colorful cover featuring a large golden crown illustration.

Examples

Leí un artículo titulado 'El futuro del clima'.

I read an article titled 'The Future of the Climate'.

Hay una película titulada 'Volver'.

There is a movie called 'Volver'.

Escribió un poema titulado 'Amor eterno'.

He wrote a poem titled 'Eternal Love'.

Matching the Work

If you are talking about 'una película' (a movie), which is feminine, you must say 'titulada'. If you talk about 'un libro' (a book), use 'titulado'.

Using 'titulado' for people's names

Mistake: “Un hombre titulado Juan.”

Correction: Un hombre llamado Juan. (Use 'titulado' for creative works like books, and 'llamado' for people's names).

denominado

deh-noh-mee-NAH-dohdenomiˈnaðo

adjectiveB1formal
Use this to state the specific name or term given to something, often in a more technical or formal context.
A queen in a royal purple dress tapping a kneeling person's shoulder with a silver sword to grant them a title.

Examples

Este método es denominado 'estudio de caso'.

This method is called a 'case study'.

Un grupo de científicos descubrió un nuevo planeta denominado Próxima B.

A group of scientists discovered a new planet named Proxima B.

El impuesto, técnicamente denominado IVA, se aplica a casi todas las compras.

The tax, technically termed VAT, applies to almost all purchases.

Matching the Noun

This word is a description, so its ending must change to match what you are describing. Use 'denominado' for masculine items and 'denominada' for feminine items.

A Formal Choice

While 'llamado' and 'denominado' both mean 'called,' 'denominado' is much more formal. Use it when writing essays or presenting a topic.

Using it for People

Mistake: “Mi amigo es denominado Juan.”

Correction: Mi amigo se llama Juan.

llamara

ya-MA-raʝaˈmaɾa

verbB1general
This is the imperfect subjunctive form of 'llamar' (to call) and is used for hypothetical or conditional actions in the past or present.
A person standing on a hilltop, waving their hand and cupping their mouth as if shouting to someone far away.

Examples

Si él me llamara, yo iría de inmediato.

If he were to call me, I would go immediately.

Mi madre quería que la llamara ayer.

My mother wanted me to call her yesterday.

Buscaba a alguien que se llamara como yo.

I was looking for someone who was named (called) like me.

The 'If' Sentence Rule

When you start a sentence with 'Si' (If) to talk about something unlikely or imaginary, use 'llamara' for the first verb and the 'would' form (conditional) for the second verb.

Two-for-One Form

This exact word 'llamara' works for both 'I' (yo) and 'he/she/you formal' (él/ella/usted). The context of your sentence will help people know who you're talking about.

Don't use the regular past

Mistake: “Si él me llamó, yo iría.”

Correction: Si él me llamara, yo iría. After 'If' in hypothetical situations, you need this special 'uncertain' form, not the normal past tense.

Distinguishing 'llamado' from 'citado'

Learners often confuse 'llamado' (named) with 'citado' (appointed). Remember that 'llamado' is for introducing a person's name, while 'citado' refers to a scheduled meeting or appointment.

Related Translations

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