How to Say "to summon" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to summon” is “llamar” — use 'llamar' when you want to formally ask someone to come, often in an official capacity but without a strict legal obligation.
llamar
ya-marʝaˈmaɾ
Examples
La directora llamó a los padres para una reunión.
The principal summoned the parents for a meeting.
¡Llama a una ambulancia!
Call an ambulance!
Ese vestido colorido realmente llama la atención.
That colorful dress really attracts attention.
convocar
kon-bo-karkomboˈkaɾ
Examples
El director va a convocar una reunión de emergencia esta tarde.
The director is going to call an emergency meeting this afternoon.
Los trabajadores decidieron convocar una huelga para el lunes.
The workers decided to organize a strike for Monday.
El presidente tiene el poder de convocar elecciones anticipadas.
The president has the power to call early elections.
The 'c' to 'qu' switch
When saying 'I called' (yo convoqué), the 'c' changes to 'qu' to keep the hard 'k' sound. Without this change, it would sound like 's'.
Using the 'Personal A'
When you call specific people (like 'convocar a los vecinos'), you must use the word 'a' before the people being called.
Using 'llamar' for formal events
Mistake: “Llamar una huelga.”
Correction: Convocar una huelga. While 'llamar' means to call, 'convocar' is the specific word for officially calling for a protest or meeting.
citar
see-TAHRθiˈtaɾ
Examples
El médico me citó para el próximo lunes a las diez.
The doctor scheduled me for an appointment next Monday at ten.
El juez va a citar a los testigos mañana.
The judge is going to summon the witnesses tomorrow.
La citaron en la cafetería para hablar del proyecto.
They asked her to meet at the cafe to talk about the project.
Using the 'Personal A'
Since 'citar' involves a person receiving the action, you must use 'a' before the name: 'Cité a Juan' (I made an appointment with Juan).
Meeting vs. Summoning
While 'quedar' is for casual hangouts, 'citar' implies a specific, formal time and place has been set.
Citar vs. Tener una cita
Mistake: “Quiero citar con ella.”
Correction: Quiero tener una cita con ella (I want to have a date) or La cité (I made an appointment with her). Use the verb for the action of setting the time.
requerir
reh-keh-REERrekeˈɾiɾ
Examples
El juez requirió la presencia de los testigos.
The judge summoned the witnesses to appear.
La policía le requirió que bajara del vehículo.
The police ordered him to get out of the vehicle.
Command Structure
When someone in authority demands you do something, we use 'requerir' followed by 'que' and the special 'wish/command' verb form (subjunctive).
invocar
een-boh-KAHRimboˈkaɾ
Examples
En la película, los magos invocan a un dragón antiguo.
In the movie, the wizards invoke an ancient dragon.
Mucha gente invoca a los santos para pedir ayuda.
Many people call upon the saints to ask for help.
El chamán comenzó a invocar a los espíritus del bosque.
The shaman began to summon the spirits of the forest.
The Spelling Swap
When 'yo' does an action in the past (the 'yo' preterite) or when using the special form for wishes (subjunctive), the 'c' changes to 'qu' to keep the sound hard. It's 'invoqué', not 'invocé'.
Using 'a' with Invocar
When you are calling upon a person, a deity, or a specific entity, you need to put the word 'a' after 'invocar'. For example: 'Invocan a los dioses'.
The 'c' vs 'qu' error
Mistake: “Yo invocé a los ancestros.”
Correction: Yo invoqué a los ancestros. In Spanish, 'ce' sounds like 's', so we use 'que' to keep the 'k' sound.
evocar
eh-boh-KAHReβoˈkaɾ
Examples
En la novela, el mago intentó evocar a los espíritus de sus ancestros.
In the novel, the wizard tried to summon the spirits of his ancestors.
Use with objects vs people
When 'evocar' means summoning spirits, it functions like 'calling' someone. When it means bringing back memories, it acts on ideas.
Formal vs. Supernatural Summoning
Related Translations
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