Volání

Volání is a Czech noun derived from the verb volat, meaning "to call." The term denotes several related notions tied to the act of calling, signaling, or appealing to someone or something. In everyday language, volání commonly refers to a vocal act: a shout or call made to attract attention or summon another person.

In telecommunications, volání denotes a telephone call—the act of contacting someone by phone and the resulting connection. The expression is used in phrases such as "přijmout volání" or "zavolat" in colloquial speech.

Volání also has a figurative sense, referring to a person’s vocation or sense of purpose in life. Phrases like "volání ke službě" or "volání k umění" describe a perceived inner summons to a particular path, occupation, or religious life.

In biology and literature, volání can mean the call or vocalization of animals or birds, such as "volání ptáků" or "volání zvířat," used to convey atmosphere or signaling.

Some related expressions include "volání svědomí" (call of conscience) and "volání po svobodě" (call for freedom). The word is flexible across formal and informal contexts and can span literal and metaphorical meanings.

Etymology: the noun is formed from the verb volat with the noun-formation suffix -ní, pointing to the act or result of calling.