Translation guide
The phrasal verb "call on" has several distinct meanings. It can mean to visit someone, to ask someone to speak or do something, to use a quality or ability, or to invoke a higher power. The appropriate Japanese expression depends on the intended meaning.
To go to someone's house or place for a social visit or formal call.
General verb for visiting someone, often at their home.
昨日、友達を訪ねた。
I called on a friend yesterday.
More formal, used for official visits or calling on someone important.
大使が大統領を訪問した。
The ambassador called on the president.
To drop by or stop at someone's place, often casually.
帰りにちょっと寄っていい？
Can I call on you on my way home?
To request someone to speak in a meeting, class, or event, or to ask for help.
To call on someone by name, especially in a classroom or formal setting.
先生が私を指名した。
The teacher called on me.
To call on someone to speak, often in a meeting or discussion.
議長が彼に発言を求めた。
The chairperson called on him to speak.
Casual term used in classrooms when a teacher calls on a student.
To call on someone for help or support, implying reliance.
To make use of a particular skill, quality, or resource.
To exercise or display a quality like courage or skill.
彼は勇気を発揮した。
He called on his courage.
Simple verb for using something, though less specific than 'call on'.
彼女は経験を使った。
She called on her experience.
To utilize or make effective use of a resource or ability.
知識を活用して問題を解決した。
He called on his knowledge to solve the problem.
To appeal to a god, spirit, or authority for help or inspiration.
The phrasal verb 'call on' cannot be directly translated as a single Japanese word. Always choose the expression that matches the specific meaning you intend.
The teacher called on me.
You can call on your friends when you're in trouble.
彼らは祖先の霊に呼びかけた。
They called on the spirits of their ancestors.