"llamar" is a transitive verb in Spanish that primarily means "to call" or "to name." It is commonly used in various contexts, including both general conversation and formal situations such as legal or technical settings.
Frequency of Use: The verb "llamar" is frequently used in everyday spoken language as well as in written texts. It is a fundamental verb in Spanish and appears in numerous idiomatic expressions.
Context: The verb is more common in oral speech than in written contexts but is also prevalent in formal writing when referring to communication methods or naming entities.
Llamar por teléfono es una manera fácil de mantenerse en contacto.
Calling by phone is an easy way to stay in touch.
Cuando no sé la respuesta, a veces decido llamar a un amigo.
When I don't know the answer, I sometimes decide to call a friend.
Es importante llamar a las cosas por su nombre.
It is important to call things by their name.
"llamar" is often used in various idiomatic expressions in the Spanish language. Here are a few:
Ejemplo: Su vestido rojo llamó la atención en la fiesta.
Her red dress caught everyone's attention at the party.
Llamar a la puerta
Ejemplo: Siempre llama a la puerta antes de entrar en casa.
He always knocks on the door before entering the house.
Llamar al pan pan y al vino vino
Ejemplo: En la reunión, él decidió llamar al pan pan y al vino vino.
In the meeting, he decided to call a spade a spade.
Llamar a alguien a cuentas
The word "llamar" comes from the Latin "clamare," which means "to shout" or "to call." Over time, it evolved in the evolution of the Romance languages, particularly in Spanish, where it took on the meanings we associate with it today.