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.
電話が鳴っています。
The phone is ringing.
耳鳴りがします。
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.
教会の鐘が鳴り響いた。
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.
風鈴がリンリンと鳴っている。
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.
電話が鳴っている。
The phone is ringing.
目覚まし時計が鳴った。
The alarm clock rang.
A loanword from English 'call', used specifically for a telephone ringing or making a call. More casual and modern.
スマホがコールしてる。
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.
着信音が鳴ったら、応答してください。
When the ringtone sounds, please answer.
To describe a persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sound perceived in the ears without an external source.
The standard medical and everyday term for tinnitus or ringing in the ears. It is a noun.
耳鳴りがする。
I have a ringing in my ears.
疲れると耳鳴りがひどくなる。
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.
耳がキーンとする。
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.
最近、耳鳴りがするんです。
Lately, I've been having ringing in my ears.
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.
彼の言葉が心に響いた。
His words rang in my heart.
Can be used metaphorically for a sound that fills a space or consciousness, like applause or a voice.
鳴る (naru) focuses on the production of sound, while 響く (hibiku) emphasizes the reverberation or emotional impact. Use 鳴る for a phone ringing, and 響く for a sound that echoes or touches the heart.
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.
The bell is ringing.
鐘の音が山に響いた。
The sound of the bell echoed through the mountains.
拍手が会場に鳴り響いた。
Applause rang through the venue.