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.
鐘が鳴っている。
The bell is ringing.
Means 'to echo' or 'to reverberate'. It emphasizes the lingering, spreading quality of the sound rather than the act of producing it.
鐘の音が山に響いた。
The sound of the bell echoed through the mountains.
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.
拍手が会場に鳴り響いた。
Applause rang through the venue.