About
铃 (traditional: 鈴) is a phono-semantic compound. Its left side is the semantic radical 钅 (jīn; 釒 in traditional form), indicating the object is made of metal. Its right side, 令 (lìng), provides the pronunciation. The character originally meant small bells, such as handbells, but its meaning has expanded to include modern electrical bells, alarms, and ringtones. The structure neatly captures a metallic object that rings, a concept reflected in its use from ancient chariot bells to today's doorbells and phone alerts.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我听到了铃声。
清脆的铃声突然响起。
上课铃声响了，快回教室。
她把自行车铃按得很响。
小狗的脖子上挂了个小铃铛。
风铃在微风中发出悦耳的声音。
他摇了摇手铃，召集大家集合。
铃兰花在清晨散发着幽香。