让 and 叫 are causative verbs meaning "to make/let/have someone do something." The person being asked becomes the subject of the second verb.
让 (ràng) - More polite, can mean "let" or "make"
叫 (jiào) - More colloquial, often implies ordering
The teacher had us write homework.
Both can express permission ("let") or causation ("make"), depending on context.
让 vs 叫
- 让 is more neutral/polite
- 叫 is more colloquial, sometimes implies command
Passive use - 让/叫 can also form passive voice
- 我让他骗了 = I was deceived by him
Negative form uses 别
- 别让他走 = Do not let him leave
The teacher had us write homework.
Mom told me to go buy groceries.
Do not let him know about this.
This movie made me very moved.
Find real examples
Discover this pattern in manga, dramas & more
Save for spaced repetition
Add sentences to your study deck
Practice 让/叫 + sb + V and other grammar patterns with manga, dramas, and more.
Start learning free