Japanese Conversation · Level 20
90 words
Japanese word
鈴
Pronunciation
Romajisuzu
Meaning
- nounbell
Example
猫の首に鈴を付けます。neko no kubi ni suzu o tsu ke ma su
I put a bell around the cat's neck.
More examples
玄関のドアを開けると、鈴が小さく鳴ります。gen kan no do a o a ke ru to suzu ga chii sa ku na ri ma su
When I open the front door, the bell rings softly.
Core concept
It is a small metal object that turns movement into a ringing sound through contact between its clapper and shell.
Common phrases
鈴を鳴らすsuzu o na ra su
ring a bell
鈴の音suzu no oto
the sound of a bell
Similar words
ベルberu: A device or object made to produce a ringing sound by being struck, shaken, or activated.
鐘kane: A large bell that produces a deep sound when struck, often in a temple or tower.
Definition in Japanese
振ると内部の舌が金属部分に触れて音を出す小さな器具。fu ru to nai bu no shita ga kin zoku bu bun ni fu re te oto o da su chii sa na ki gu
Word origin
鈴 (suzu, "bell") is generally treated as a native Japanese word, but its older etymology is uncertain; the kanji 鈴 is a Chinese-derived character meaning "bell".
Usage tips
- Japanese usually uses 鐘 (kane, "large bell") for a temple bell and 鈴 (suzu, "small bell") for a smaller bell, although both translate as "bell" in English.