147
召
Summon, Call
め.す
JLPT N2
Interesting Fact
In very polite Japanese, the honorific expression 召し上がる (meshiagaru) means 'to eat' or 'to drink.' It is commonly used when speaking respectfully to customers or guests.
Memory Trick
Imagine a king ringing a bell to summon someone into the throne room. That royal invitation helps you remember 召 means 'to summon.'
Readings
Onyomi: ショウ (shou)
Kunyomi: め.す
Example Words
召す
めす (mesu)
To summon
召し上がる
めしあがる (meshiagaru)
To eat or drink (honorific)
お召し物
おめしもの (omeshimono)
Clothing (honorific)
召集
しょうしゅう (shoushuu)
Convocation
Example Sentence
どうぞ 温かいうち に お召し上がりください。
どうぞ あたたかい うち に おめしあがりください。
douzo atatakai uchi ni omeshiagari kudasai
Please enjoy it while it's still warm.