expression, godan verb (-su)
ring an alarm bell
Literal meaning: physically sounding a bell as a warning signal.
火災を知らせるために警鐘を鳴らした。
They rang the alarm bell to alert people to the fire.
expression, godan verb (-su)
sound a warning; raise the alarm; send a wake-up call
Figurative use: to issue a strong warning about a danger or problem, often in public discourse.
専門家は気候変動の危険性について警鐘を鳴らしている。
Experts are sounding the alarm about the dangers of climate change.
この事件は、社会のひずみに警鐘を鳴らすものだ。
This incident serves as a wake-up call about the distortions in society.