종
jong[t͡ɕo̞(ː)ŋ]
The English word bell can be translated into Korean as either 종 (jong) or 벨.
Meaning: percussive instrument (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 종 | jong | [t͡ɕo̞(ː)ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [t͡ɕo̞ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 벨 | bel | [pe̞ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Korean uses different words for a bell depending on the type of instrument and the context of the conversation. 종 refers to traditional, large or heavy bells. 벨 is a loanword from English used in the context of modern technology and devices.
Which one should you use?
종 is the term for traditional and large instruments, such as those found in temples. In contrast, 벨 is used for modern objects like doorbells or service bells.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of ringing or striking a bell, the standard collocation is the verb phrase 종을 치다.
How do you pronounce it?
jong
Did you know?
- The word 종 is a homonym for 'slave' or 'servant' in Korean. Because of this, the context of the sentence is crucial to distinguish a temple bell from a historical social class.
- Traditional Korean temple bells, known as 종, are often designed with a unique 'sound pipe' or 'dragon loop' at the top, which differs significantly from Western bell architecture.
- Because 종 can be written with different Chinese characters, it can also mean 'tumor' or 'swelling' in a medical context.
Examples in context
- 종을 치다To clang a bellThis sentence is useful for learning how to express the action of ringing the bell with 종.
- 저기 절에 아름다운 종이 있어요.There is a beautiful bell at that temple.
- 택배가 왔을 때 벨이 울렸어요.The bell rang when the package arrived.
- 사찰에 큰 종이 있어요.sachal-e keun jong-i isseoyo.There is a large bell at the temple.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Minjun are looking at a decoration in a shop.
- 서연 Seo-yeon이 종 정말 예쁘네요.i jong jeongmal yeppeuneyo.This bell is really pretty.
- 민준 Min-jun소리는 어떻게 나나요?sorineun eotteoke nanayo?What does it sound like?
- 서연 Seo-yeon한번 흔들어 볼게요.hanbeon heundeureo bolgeyo.I will try shaking it.
- 민준 Min-jun맑은 소리가 나네요.malgeun soriga naneyo.It has a clear sound.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bell” translations and entries 종, 벨, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 벨, 종, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
