Japanese word

鐘

Pronunciation

Romajikane

Meaning

  • nounbell

Example

寺の鐘が鳴っています。tera no kane ga na tte i ma su

The temple bell is ringing.

Illustration for 鐘 (bell)

More examples

学校の鐘が鳴ります。gak kō no kane ga na ri ma su

The school bell rings.

祭りの始まりを知らせるため、係の人が鐘を鳴らします。matsu ri no haji ma ri o shi ra se ru ta me kakari no hito ga kane o na ra shi ma su

An attendant rings a bell to announce the start of the festival.

Core concept

Refers to a hollow metal object that produces a clear, resonant sound when struck or moved, often to mark time or signal an event.

Common phrases

  • 鐘が鳴るkane ga na ru

    a bell rings

  • 鐘を鳴らすkane o na ra su

    ring a bell

  • 鐘の音kane no oto

    the sound of a bell

Similar words

ベルberu: A bell used to give a signal or call, especially in everyday settings.
鈴suzu: A small bell with a clear sound that is often carried or attached to an object.

Definition in Japanese

金属製の中空の器に当てたり振ったりして音を出し、時刻や合図を知らせるもの。kin zoku sei no chū kū no utsuwa ni a te ta ri fu tta ri shi te oto o da shi ji koku ya ai zu o shi ra se ru mo no

Word origin

The origin of 鐘 (kane, "bell") as a native Japanese word is uncertain; its written form uses 鐘 (shō, "bell"), a kanji borrowed from Chinese.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 鐘 (kane) often evokes the deep, lingering sound of a large bronze temple bell, whereas ベル (beru) is common for a small handbell.

Other meanings

  • chimenoun

Word lists with this word