How to Say "summons" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “summons” is “citación” — use 'citación' for an official legal or court order that requires you to appear, often as a witness or defendant.
citación
Examples
Recibí una citación judicial para declarar en el juicio.
I received a court summons to testify at the trial.
convocatoria
kon-bo-ka-to-ryakombokaˈtoɾja
Examples
La convocatoria para la asamblea general se publicará la próxima semana.
The notice for the general assembly will be published next week.
La convocatoria de la junta extraordinaria se envió por correo electrónico.
The notice for the extraordinary board meeting was sent by email.
El director firmó la convocatoria para la reunión de mañana.
The director signed the notice convening tomorrow's meeting.
Action vs. Result
This word describes both the act of calling people together and the physical document or email that tells them where to go.
requerimiento
re-keh-ree-MYEN-tohre.ke.ɾi.'mjen.to
Examples
Le entregaron un requerimiento para que pagara la deuda pendiente.
They served him with a summons to pay the outstanding debt.
Recibió un requerimiento judicial en su casa.
He received a court summons at his house.
El banco envió un requerimiento de pago por la deuda.
The bank sent a formal payment demand for the debt.
La policía hizo un requerimiento de documentos.
The police made a formal request for documents.
Verbs that follow
When someone issues a 'requerimiento', they usually want you to do something. This often leads to using the word 'que' followed by the special 'subjunctive' verb form (the 'wishes and commands' form).
Ignoring the Legal Weight
Mistake: “Mi amigo me hizo un requerimiento para ir al cine.”
Correction: Mi amigo me pidió ir al cine.
llamamiento
ya-ma-MYEN-tohʎamaˈmjento
Examples
El gobierno hizo un llamamiento a la solidaridad ciudadana.
The government made an appeal to citizen solidarity.
La organización hizo un llamamiento a la calma.
The organization made an appeal for calm.
El presidente lanzó un llamamiento para ayudar a los refugiados.
The president launched a call to help the refugees.
Muchos jóvenes respondieron al llamamiento a filas.
Many young people responded to the call to arms.
Nouns ending in -miento
In Spanish, adding '-miento' to a verb is a common way to turn an action into a noun. For example, 'llamar' (to call) becomes 'llamamiento' (the act of calling or an appeal).
Always Masculine
Nouns that end in '-miento' are always masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with this word.
Using 'llamada' instead
Mistake: “Hice una llamada a la paz.”
Correction: Hice un llamamiento a la paz. Use 'llamada' for a phone call or a short shout, and 'llamamiento' for a formal, public appeal.
llamado
ya-MA-doʎaˈma.ðo
Examples
Atendí el llamado de mi jefe para discutir el proyecto.
I answered my boss's call to discuss the project.
Recibí un llamado de mi hermana.
I received a call from my sister.
Escuchamos un llamado a la puerta en medio de la noche.
We heard a knock on the door in the middle of the night.
El director hizo un llamado a todos los empleados para una reunión urgente.
The director made a call to all employees for an urgent meeting.
`llamado` vs. `llamada` for 'phone call'
Mistake: “Using `un llamado` for a phone call in Spain.”
Correction: In Spain, `una llamada` is almost always used for a phone call. In Latin America, `un llamado` and `una llamada` are often used interchangeably, though `llamada` is still very common.
Legal vs. Meeting vs. General Calls
Related Translations
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