ベル
beru[be̞ɾɯ̟]
The English word "bell" can be translated into Japanese in several ways depending on the type of instrument. If unsure, use ベル (beru). Wiktionary also lists 鐘 (kane) and 鈴 (suzu).
Meaning: percussive instrument (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ベル | beru | [be̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 鐘 | kane | [ka̠ne̞] (narrow) [ɕo̞ː] (narrow) |
| 鈴 | suzu | [sɨzɨ] (narrow) [ɾe̞ː] (narrow) |
In Japanese, different words are used to describe bells based on their size and origin.
Which one should you use?
The term 鐘 (kane) refers to large, heavy bells, such as those found in churches or temples. The term 鈴 (suzu) refers to small, lightweight bells, such as those used in Shinto rituals or attached to pet collars. The term ベル (beru) is a loanword used specifically for modern, Western-style bells or handheld service bells.
How do you pronounce it?
beru
Did you know?
- On New Year's Eve, Japanese Buddhist temples ring a massive 鐘 (kane) 108 times to symbolize the removal of 108 worldly desires.
- The word 鈴 (suzu) is etymologically linked to the concept of feeling 'cool' or 'refreshing', seen in the related word 涼しい (suzushii).
- While 鐘 (kane) refers to the bell, it is also used as a general term for various metal percussion instruments in traditional Japanese music.
Examples in context
- 鐘を鳴らせ。Ring the bell.This sentence is useful for practicing the imperative command to ring the bell with 鐘.Tatoeba #3496882 by arnab, translation #2249851 by CK
- 鐘って鳴った？Has the bell rung?This sentence is useful for asking a question about whether the bell has rung with 鐘.Tatoeba #10625462 by bunbuku, translation #33868 by CK
- 鐘が鳴っている。The bell is ringing.This sentence is useful for describing the continuous action of a bell ringing with 鐘.Tatoeba #146296 by bunbuku, translation #33885 by CK
- 日本のお寺には美しい「鐘」があります。Japanese temples have beautiful bells.
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A music store.
- 大翔 Hirotoこのベルはとても綺麗ですね。Kono beru wa totemo kirei desu ne.This bell is very beautiful, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、音もとても澄んでいます。Hai, oto mo totemo sunde imasu.Yes, the sound is also very clear.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さんは、このベルが欲しいですか？Himari-san wa, kono beru ga hoshii desu ka?Himari, do you want this bell?
- 陽葵 Himariいいえ、大翔さん、今は見ているだけです。Iie, Hiroto-san, ima wa mite iru dake desu.No, Hiroto, I'm just looking for now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bell” translations and entries ベル, 鐘, 鈴, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ベル, 鈴, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
