appeler vs désigner
French word comparison
Listen to appeler
Listen to désigner
| appeler | désigner |
|---|---|
/ah-PAY-lay/ verb | /day-zee-nay/ verb |
| to call; to name; to phone someone | to designate; to name; to point out |
How they differ
"Désigner" usually means to designate or identify someone/something for a role, purpose, or reference. It can also mean to point to someone or something, which is a different nuance from "appeler".
When to use each
When to use appeler: Use "appeler" when you mean calling someone, naming someone, or contacting them by phone.
When to use désigner: Use "désigner" when you mean formally selecting, indicating, or referring to someone/something specifically.
Side-by-side examples
- Elle a appelé son fils Paul.
(She named her son Paul.) - Le comité a désigné un nouveau président.
(The committee designated a new president.)
Register & nuance: "Désigner" is more formal and procedural than "appeler", and is common in official or written language.