Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a doorbell is expressed with specific nouns and verbs. The most common term is 呼び鈴, but インターホン is widely used for modern intercom systems. Verbs like 鳴らす and 鳴る describe the action of ringing.
Referring to the physical doorbell device, whether a simple bell or an intercom unit.
The most direct translation for a traditional doorbell. It literally means 'calling bell' and is used for both the button and the chime.
呼び鈴を押してください。
Please press the doorbell.
呼び鈴が壊れています。
The doorbell is broken.
Commonly used for modern intercom systems, especially in apartments. It often includes a camera and speaker.
インターホンが鳴った。
The doorbell (intercom) rang.
インターホンで応答する。
Answer the doorbell via the intercom.
A loanword from English, used occasionally but less common than 呼び鈴 or インターホン. It may sound slightly foreign or technical.
ドアベルを取り付ける。
Install a doorbell.
Refers to the chime sound or the device that produces it. Often used for doorbells that play a melody.
チャイムが鳴った。
The doorbell chime rang.
Describing the act of pressing or ringing a doorbell.
The standard phrase meaning 'to ring the doorbell'. 鳴らす is a transitive verb meaning 'to sound/ring something'.
彼は呼び鈴を鳴らした。
He rang the doorbell.
Used specifically for intercom systems, meaning 'to press the intercom button'.
インターホンを押しても反応がない。
Even when I press the doorbell, there's no response.
To ring the chime doorbell. Similar to 呼び鈴を鳴らす but emphasizes the chime sound.
チャイムを鳴らして待った。
I rang the doorbell and waited.
Describing the doorbell sound itself, often using intransitive verbs.
The intransitive counterpart, meaning 'the doorbell rings'. 鳴る means 'to sound/ring' (something rings by itself).
突然、呼び鈴が鳴った。
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
The intercom rings. Very common in daily conversation.
インターホンが鳴っているよ。
The doorbell is ringing.
Onomatopoeic expression for the 'ding-dong' sound of a doorbell. Often used in casual speech.
ピンポーンと鳴ったから出て。
The doorbell went 'ding-dong', so please answer it.
呼び鈴 refers to a traditional doorbell (button and chime), while インターホン is an intercom with a speaker and often a camera. In modern Japanese homes and apartments, インターホン is more common. Use 呼び鈴 for older houses or standalone bells.
このアパートはインターホンがついています。
This apartment has an intercom.
実家の呼び鈴は古い。
The doorbell at my parents' house is old.
鳴らす (transitive) means 'to ring something' (e.g., 呼び鈴を鳴らす). 鳴る (intransitive) means 'something rings' (e.g., 呼び鈴が鳴る). Using the wrong one can change the meaning.
私が呼び鈴を鳴らした。
I rang the doorbell.
呼び鈴が鳴った。
The doorbell rang.
呼び鈴を鳴らしたが、誰も出なかった。
I rang the doorbell, but no one answered.
呼び鈴が壊れているので、ノックしてください。
The doorbell is broken, so please knock.
呼び鈴が鳴ったら、犬が吠え始めた。
When the doorbell rang, the dog started barking.