Meaning
The kanji 召 (shō, mesu) fundamentally means 'to summon,' 'to call,' or 'to send for.' At its core, it describes the act of bringing someone or something toward oneself, often carrying either an authoritative or a deeply respectful nuance.
Beyond this primary meaning, 召 features prominently in many honorific expressions in Japanese. For example, you'll find it in phrases like 召し上がる ('to eat or drink'), お召しになる ('to wear,' 'to ride'), and even 風邪を召す ('to catch a cold'). These uses elevate the action, indicating respect when performed by or directed towards someone of higher status.
Delving into its history, the character 召 boasts a fascinating etymology, intertwining both phonetic and ideographic elements. One prominent theory suggests its composition combines 刀 (tō, katana – sword or knife) and 口 (kuchi – mouth). In this interpretation, 刀 might have served as a phonetic component, guiding the pronunciation 'shō.' Meanwhile, 口 graphically represents the act of speaking or issuing a command. Together, these elements symbolize an authoritative call or summons, strongly implying the power to command.
Another theory, notably championed by scholar Shirakawa Shizuka, proposes an older ideographic origin. Here, the upper part depicted a 'person' and the lower part a 'prayer vessel.' This imagery suggested a divine spirit descending in response to prayer. Over time, this evolved into the concept of calling or summoning someone, especially from a position of authority to one of lesser rank.
Even the visual shape of 召, with its distinct components, subtly hints at its function. The 'mouth' radical (口) at the bottom directly links to speech and communication, which is central to the act of calling. The upper element, resembling 刀, then adds a sense of direction or precision to that call. This kanji has 5 strokes and is categorized as a Grade 8 Jōyō Kanji, meaning it's typically taught in junior high school as part of the regularly used kanji set.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 召 is ショウ (shō). You'll typically encounter this reading when 召 forms part of a compound word, where it often retains its original Chinese meaning of 'to summon' or 'to gather.' It frequently appears in formal contexts, such as official gatherings, legal proceedings, or the calling of military forces.
召集 (shōshū) — convening; calling together; conscription. This compound is used for formally assembling people, such as parliament members, a committee, or even for military conscription.
召喚 (shōkan) — summons; subpoena. This term is often encountered in legal contexts, like a court summons, or in more fantastical settings, such as summoning spirits or magical entities.
応召 (ōshō) — responding to a summons; answering the draft. This compound specifically refers to the act of complying with a summons, often in a military or official capacity.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi reading for 召 is め.す (mesu). This reading is incredibly versatile, primarily functioning as an honorific verb. It applies to actions performed by or for someone deserving respect. It can replace common verbs like 'to eat,' 'to drink,' 'to wear,' 'to ride,' or 'to call,' significantly elevating the politeness level. Mastering its various usages is crucial for navigating polite Japanese conversation.
召す (mesu) — This single kanji verb acts as a highly respectful equivalent for several actions. It can mean 'to call/send for (a person),' 'to wear (clothes),' 'to ride (in a vehicle),' 'to eat/drink,' or even 'to catch (a cold).' For example, お医者さんを召す (oisha-san o mesu) means 'to call for a doctor.'
召し上がる (meshiagaru) — This is the most common honorific form of 'to eat' or 'to drink.' It's used when speaking to or about someone of higher status, expressing deep respect.
お召し物 (omeshimono) — clothing (honorific). This noun refers to clothing worn by a respected person, emphasizing formality and reverence.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 召 forms many practical compounds in Japanese, reflecting both its core meaning of summoning and its significant role in honorific language. Below are some key examples, categorized by their usage:
Formal and Official Summoning
召集 (shōshū) — Convening; calling together (e.g., of an assembly, parliament). This term implies a formal and authoritative act of gathering individuals.
召喚 (shōkan) — Summons; subpoena (e.g., a court summons, summoning a demon in fantasy). Used in legal, administrative, or imaginative contexts where someone or something is formally called.
応召 (ōshō) — Responding to a summons; answering the draft. This describes the act of complying with an official call, particularly military conscription.
召状 (shōjō) — A written summons; a subpoena. A formal document requesting someone's presence.
Honorific Expressions and Respectful Actions
These compounds vividly showcase 召's role in conveying deep respect when referring to actions performed by or directed towards esteemed individuals.
召し上がる (meshiagaru) — Honorific verb for 'to eat' or 'to drink.' One of the most frequently used respectful expressions.
お召しになる (omeshi ni naru) — Honorific verb for 'to wear (clothes),' 'to ride (a vehicle),' or 'to call for (a person).' This versatile phrase depends heavily on context.
お召し物 (omeshimono) — Honorific noun for 'clothing' or 'attire.' Refers to garments worn by a person of respect.
召し使う (meshitsukau) — To employ; to use (respectful of the employer, humble of the employee).
Historical and Literary Contexts
召す (mesu) — As a standalone verb, it also means 'to catch (a cold)' in a more formal or slightly older style, e.g., 風邪を召す (kaze o mesu).
召人 (meshiudo) — A person who has been summoned or called; a visitor (archaic).
召客 (shōkaku) — An invited guest (less common in modern Japanese).
Example Sentences
先生は生徒を召した。
Sensei wa seito o meshita.
The teacher called the student.
どうぞ、温かいお茶を召し上がってください。
Dōzo, atatakai o-cha o meshiagatte kudasai.
Please have some warm tea.
来週、国会が召集される予定です。
Raishū, kokkai ga shōshū sareru yotei desu.
Next week, the parliament is scheduled to be convened.
風邪を召さないように、暖かくしてください。
Kaze o mesanai yō ni, atatakaku shite kudasai.
Please stay warm so you don't catch a cold.
重要な証人が裁判所へ召喚されました。
Jūyō na shōnin ga saibansho e shōkan saremashita.
An important witness was summoned to court.
彼は新しい車に召し替えました。
Kare wa atarashii kuruma ni meshikaemashita.
He switched to a new car (formal/honorific for 'changed cars').
部長は朝食を召し上がってから出社します。
Buchō wa chōshoku o meshiagatte kara shussha shimasu.
The department manager comes to the office after eating breakfast (honorific).
王様は戦場へと召された。
Ōsama wa senjō e to mesareta.
The king was called to the battlefield (honorific/formal).
Memory Tip
To remember 召, envision a powerful individual issuing a command. The kanji itself is composed of 刀 (sword or authority, albeit simplified) positioned atop 口 (mouth). Picture a feudal lord or an official, perhaps holding a ceremonial sword—or simply wielding their authority—as they open their mouth to verbally 'summon' or 'call' their retainers. This blend of the 'sword's' authoritative nature with the act of speaking from the 'mouth' directly conveys the meaning of 'to summon' or 'to call forth.' This vivid imagery of a powerful figure giving a command helps cement the core meaning. You can also connect it to the honorific uses: imagine a respected person gracefully taking food into their 'mouth' (召し上がる) or wearing clothes that are metaphorically 'called' for them (お召し物).