About
The character 叫 is a phono-semantic compound with the semantic component 口 (mouth) on the left, indicating speech or vocalization, and the phonetic component 丩 on the right. Its primary meaning is to shout, cry out, or call, relating directly to forceful vocal use. From this core sense, the meaning extended to include calling someone by name, naming, or ordering. The character also functions commonly as a preposition in passive constructions to mark the agent of an action.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我的名字叫小明。
请叫我老师。
你叫什么名字？
不要大声叫我。
他叫我帮忙买东西。
妈妈叫弟弟早点睡觉。
老板叫我们完成报告。
这件事叫我想起了过去。