French word

appeler

Pronunciation

IPA/apəle/

Meaning

  • verbcall

Example

Appelle le chien.

Call the dog.

Illustration for appeler (call)

More examples

Ce village s'appelle Sainte-Marie.

This village is called Sainte-Marie.

Core concept

A voice summons someone, a phone call connects to someone, and a name identifies someone under the same idea of addressing a target.

Common phrases

  • appeler par son nom

    call ___ by name

  • s'appeler

    be called

Similar words

s'appeler: Have a particular name.
téléphoner: Phone someone to speak with them.
inviter: Invite someone to come.
crier: Cry out loudly for attention or a reply.

Definition in French

Prononcer le nom de quelqu'un pour attirer son attention ou le faire venir ; s'emploie aussi pour téléphoner à quelqu'un ou pour donner un nom.

Word origin

The French verb developed from Old French apeler, which inherited Latin appellare for addressing or calling someone.

Usage tips

  • The pronominal form s'appeler means 'to be called' or 'to be named', as in Elle s'appelle Marie, not simply 'she calls herself' in ordinary use.

Other meanings

  • nameverb

Related words

Word lists with this word