Use 'naru' for objects that make sound on their own, not by direct human action.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used when something emits a sound automatically.
- Commonly used for phones, alarms, and bells.
- Indicates the sound source itself is vibrating.
Overview
- 1概要：「鳴る」は、音源が自ら音を発する状態を示す自動詞です。人が音を出す（鳴らす）のではなく、その物体自体が物理的に音を立てる現象を指します。2) 使用パターン：主に「[名詞]が鳴る」という形で使用されます。名詞には、電話、ベル、時計、楽器、雷、お腹など、音を発する機能や特性を持つものが来ます。3) 一般的な文脈：日常生活において非常に頻繁に使われます。「電話が鳴る」「目覚まし時計が鳴る」といった日常的な通知音から、「お腹が鳴る」といった身体現象まで幅広くカバーします。また、雷や風の音など、自然現象に対しても使われます。4) 類語比較：「鳴る」と「鳴らす」の違いは、自動詞か他動詞かという点にあります。「鳴る」は主体が音を出す（例：ベルが鳴る）のに対し、「鳴らす」は誰かが意図的に音を出す（例：ベルを鳴らす）という違いがあります。また、「響く」は音が周囲に広がり、余韻が残るニュアンスが強いため、「鳴る」よりも音の広がりや深みに焦点が当たります。
Examples
電話が鳴っている。
everydayThe phone is ringing.
雷が激しく鳴った。
formalThe thunder rumbled loudly.
お腹が鳴る。
informalMy stomach is growling.
チャイムが鳴り響く。
academicThe chime rings out.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
目覚ましが鳴る
The alarm goes off
警報が鳴る
The alarm sounds
Often Confused With
Narasu is the transitive verb form. It implies a person is actively causing the sound, unlike Naru.
Hibiku refers more to the resonance or echo of a sound, rather than the initial act of making sound.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'naru' for intransitive sound production. It is neutral in formality. It is widely used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Common Mistakes
Students often confuse 'naru' (intransitive) with 'narasu' (transitive). Remember that 'naru' takes the particle 'ga', while 'narasu' takes 'o'.
Tips
Focus on the sound source
Remember that 'naru' focuses on the object producing the sound itself. If you are the one making the sound, use 'narasu' instead.
Do not use for human voice
Do not use 'naru' for human speech or singing. 'Naru' is reserved for inanimate objects, machines, or natural phenomena.
Cultural sounds in Japan
In Japan, the sound of 'furin' (wind chimes) is often described as 'naru'. It is a classic sound associated with summer.
Word Origin
Derived from ancient Japanese 'naru', meaning to make a sound. It is related to the sound of nature and objects.
Cultural Context
The sound of bells and wind chimes has deep roots in Japanese aesthetics, often associated with seasons or temple rituals.
Memory Tip
Think of a bell 'naru' (ringing) on its own. If you ring it yourself, you 'narasu' the bell.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「鳴る」は自動詞で、物が自然に音を出す状態を指します。「鳴らす」は他動詞で、人が意図的に音を出す行為を指します。
はい、非常に一般的で自然な表現です。空腹時に胃が音を立てることを指します。
楽器そのものが音を出すという文脈では使えますが、演奏する行為には「弾く」や「吹く」を使います。
「鳴った」となります。例：電話が鳴った。
Test Yourself
授業中に突然、電話が___。
電話が自ら音を出す現象なので、自動詞の過去形「鳴った」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Use 'naru' for objects that make sound on their own, not by direct human action.
- Used when something emits a sound automatically.
- Commonly used for phones, alarms, and bells.
- Indicates the sound source itself is vibrating.
Focus on the sound source
Remember that 'naru' focuses on the object producing the sound itself. If you are the one making the sound, use 'narasu' instead.
Do not use for human voice
Do not use 'naru' for human speech or singing. 'Naru' is reserved for inanimate objects, machines, or natural phenomena.
Cultural sounds in Japan
In Japan, the sound of 'furin' (wind chimes) is often described as 'naru'. It is a classic sound associated with summer.
Examples
4 of 4電話が鳴っている。
The phone is ringing.
雷が激しく鳴った。
The thunder rumbled loudly.
お腹が鳴る。
My stomach is growling.
チャイムが鳴り響く。
The chime rings out.
Related Content
More daily_life words
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
