呼びます（よびます、yobimasu）
- to call

The Japanese word 呼びます (读：よ[びます]) primarily means "to call," "to summon," "to invite," or "to name." It’s a versatile verb with several related nuances depending on the context. The base form of the verb is 呼ぶ (よ[ぶ]). This form changes into 呼びます (よ[びます]) when we include the polite form of the verb.

⚫︎ 友達を呼びます。 Translation: I will call my friend. ⚫︎ 名前を呼びます。 Translation: I will say (call) the name. ⚫︎ パーティーに友達を呼びます。 Translation: I will invite friends to the party.

呼びます (よ[びます]) is used in various situations: ⚫︎ To call someone's name. ⚫︎ To summon someone (e.g., to the office or a meeting). ⚫︎ To invite someone to an event. ⚫︎ To call something by a particular name. ⚫︎ It is a polite form of the verb, so it's appropriate for most conversations.

⚫︎ Typically, 呼びます (よ[びます]) is written in hiragana. ⚫︎ The kanji form is 呼 with the okurigana びます. ⚫︎ The verb stem 呼 can also be combined with other verb endings for different tenses and politeness levels.

⚫︎ 呼ぶ (よ[ぶ]) - (plain form) to call ⚫︎ 誘う (さそう) - to invite (to do something)

There isn't a single direct antonym for 呼びます (よ[びます]), as its meaning is broad. The opposite action would depend on the specific context of the calling or inviting.

田中さんの名前を呼びます。 ・Translation: I will call Tanaka's name. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 呼びます (よ[びます]) to indicate the action of saying someone's name.

会議に部長を呼びます。 ・Translation: I will call (summon) the manager to the meeting. ・Explanation: Here, 呼びます (よ[びます]) means to summon or call someone to a specific place or event.

The etymology of 呼ぶ (よ[ぶ]) likely comes from the ancient Japanese language. The kanji 呼 depicts the mouth and implies the act of speaking or vocalizing. The verb evolved to encompass the meanings of calling, summoning, and inviting over time.