convocar
Lemma Details
Translation: to call; to summon; to convene; to convoke; to call together; to call for
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'convocare', formed by the prefix 'con-' (together) and 'vocare' (to call). This shares the same Latin root as English words like 'convocation', 'vocal', 'voice', and 'invoke'. The core idea is bringing people together through a verbal summons or announcement.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El presidente convocó una reunión de emergencia.
The president called an emergency meeting.
Han convocado elecciones para el próximo mes.
They have called for elections next month.
La universidad convoca a los estudiantes para la ceremonia de graduación.
The university summons the students for the graduation ceremony.
Convocaron a una huelga general.
They called for a general strike.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'con' (with) + 'vocal' (voice) = calling people together with your voice
- Similar to English 'convoke' or 'convocation' (a formal assembly)
- Imagine a megaphone 'con-voicing' (calling) people to gather
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'convocar' is frequently used in political, academic, and organizational contexts. It's common to hear about governments 'convocando elecciones' (calling elections) or universities 'convocando a una asamblea' (convening an assembly).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'convocar' means to call people together, 'invocar' means to invoke, call upon, or appeal to something abstract like a law, right, or supernatural power.
Confused word:
El abogado invocó la ley de protección de datos.
The lawyer invoked the data protection law.
Notes: Both verbs share the Latin root 'vocare' (to call) but with different prefixes that change their meaning.
Mnemonic: 'Convocar' has 'con' (with/together) - calling people together; 'invocar' has 'in' - calling something in or upon.
Explanation: 'Convocar' means to call people together, while 'evocar' means to evoke, recall, or bring to mind memories or feelings.
This word:
El presidente convocó una conferencia de prensa.
The president called a press conference.
Confused word:
Esa canción evoca recuerdos de mi infancia.
That song evokes memories of my childhood.
Notes: Both are regular -ar verbs with similar conjugation patterns but very different meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Convocar' brings people together; 'evocar' brings memories or feelings to mind.