Translation guide
The English word 'ringing' can refer to a sustained resonant sound, such as that of a bell, telephone, or a lingering auditory sensation in the ears. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these situations.
The phone is ringing.
I have ringing in my ears.
To describe the clear, sustained sound produced by a bell, chime, or similar object when struck.
A verb meaning 'to resound' or 'to ring out', often used for bells, gongs, or loud resonant sounds that fill a space.
The church bells rang out.
The most general verb for 'to ring' or 'to sound', used for bells, phones, alarms, etc. It simply indicates that a sound is produced.
Means 'to echo' or 'to reverberate'. It emphasizes the lingering, spreading quality of the sound rather than the act of producing it.
An onomatopoeic expression for a clear, high-pitched ringing, like a small bell or wind chime. Often used in descriptive or literary contexts.
The wind chime is ringing with a clear tinkling sound.
To describe the ringing sound made by a telephone, doorbell, alarm clock, or similar device.
The standard verb for a phone or alarm ringing. It is used for any device that produces a ringing sound.
To describe a persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sound perceived in the ears without an external source.
To describe a sound or voice that continues to resonate in the mind or environment, often with emotional impact.
Used metaphorically for a voice, music, or words that resonate deeply or leave a lasting impression.
The bell is ringing.
鐘の音が山に響いた。
The sound of the bell echoed through the mountains.
電話が鳴っている。
The phone is ringing.
The alarm clock rang.
A loanword from English 'call', used specifically for a telephone ringing or making a call. More casual and modern.
My smartphone is ringing.
Literally 'the incoming call sound rings'. A more technical or explicit way to say a phone is ringing, often used in written instructions or formal contexts.
When the ringtone sounds, please answer.
The standard medical and everyday term for tinnitus or ringing in the ears. It is a noun.
I have a ringing in my ears.
When I'm tired, the ringing in my ears gets worse.
An onomatopoeic expression describing a high-pitched ringing or whining sound, often used for the sensation of tinnitus. Very colloquial.
My ears are ringing (with a high-pitched sound).
The full phrase meaning 'to have tinnitus'. This is the most natural way to express the condition.
Lately, I've been having ringing in my ears.
His words rang in my heart.
Can be used metaphorically for a sound that fills a space or consciousness, like applause or a voice.
Applause rang through the venue.
The sound of the bell reverberates.
English often uses 'ringing' as a noun (e.g., 'the ringing of bells'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use a verb phrase like 鐘が鳴っている (the bell is ringing) or a noun like 耳鳴り (tinnitus). Avoid directly translating the -ing form.