Convocar

Convocar is a Spanish verb that means to call together, summon, or convene a meeting, assembly, or event, and can also mean to order the presence of someone or to initiate a formal procedure such as elections, hearings, or convocations. It is used in formal, administrative, legal, and organizational contexts.

Etymology and related forms: Convocar comes from Latin convocare, formed by con- “together” and vocare “to call.” The corresponding noun is la convocatoria, and the past or ongoing participants include convocante (the one who convokes) and convocado (someone who has been summoned).

Usage and examples: The verb governs a direct object that designates what is being called, and is often followed by a, referring to the people or group being summoned. Common expressions include convocar una reunión, convocar a los vecinos, convocar elecciones, or convocar una audiencia. Its action can be transitive and active: “La junta convocó a los docentes para discutir el presupuesto,” or passive in structure: “Se convocó a una rueda de prensa.”

Grammar notes: Convocar is a regular -ar verb. Principal conjugations include: present convoco, convocas, convoca, convocamos, convocáis, convocan; preterite convoqué (with orthographic change), convocaste, convocó, convocamos, convocasteis, convocaron; imperfecto convocaba, convocabas, convocaba, convocábamos, convocabais, convocaban; subjunctive presente convoque, convoques, convoque, convoquemos, convoquéis, convoquen; imperative convoca, convoque, convoquemos, convocad, convoquen. The past participle is convocado.