The verb 'narasu' means to intentionally make an object produce a sound.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To make something produce a sound intentionally.
- Used for instruments, bells, alarms, or body parts.
- Focuses on the action of the agent.
一般的な文脈：日常生活の様々な場面で使われます。例えば、学校のチャイム、玄関の呼び鈴、音楽の演奏、あるいは拍手や指パッチンなど、物理的な接触によって音を出す動作全般を指します。
- 1類語比較：「鳴らす」は操作して音を出すことですが、「響かせる」は音を遠くまで広げるニュアンスが強く、「奏でる」は楽器などで音楽を美しく演奏するという芸術的なニュアンスが含まれます。「鳴らす」は最も一般的で、物理的な音の発生に焦点を当てた言葉です。
Examples
ベルを鳴らす。
everydayRing the bell.
非常時に警報を鳴らしてください。
formalPlease sound the alarm in case of emergency.
彼は指を鳴らしてリズムを取った。
informalHe snapped his fingers to keep the rhythm.
楽器を鳴らす技術を磨く。
academicHoning the skill of making an instrument sound.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
電話を鳴らす
Make the phone ring
拍手を鳴らす
Clap hands
Often Confused With
This is the intransitive counterpart. Use 'naru' when the sound happens naturally without a specific person's intervention.
This refers to playing music specifically. It implies skill and beauty, whereas 'narasu' is just about creating a sound.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Narasu is a neutral transitive verb used in both formal and informal settings. It is essential to distinguish it from the intransitive 'naru' to avoid grammatical errors. It is commonly used with objects that produce mechanical or percussive sounds.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use 'naru' for transitive actions, saying 'beru ga narashita' instead of 'beru o narashita'. Remember that the particle 'o' usually accompanies 'narasu'. Also, do not use it for human voices; use 'koeru' or 'sakebu' instead.
Tips
Think of it as intentional action
Remember that 'narasu' requires an actor. If you see a bell ringing by itself, use 'naru' instead.
Don't confuse with causative
While 'narasu' looks like a causative form, it is a distinct transitive verb. It is not simply 'to make something ring' in a grammatical sense.
Signaling in Japan
In Japan, ringing a bell at a shrine is a way to summon the deity. Using 'narasu' correctly here shows cultural awareness.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese verb 'naru', which meant to sound. The transitive form 'narasu' evolved to specify the active creation of that sound.
Cultural Context
In Japan, sound is often used for signaling, such as temple bells at end-of-year ceremonies or school chimes. Using 'narasu' correctly reflects the importance of these auditory cues in daily life.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Nara' (the city) deer ringing a bell at a temple. You 'narasu' (ring) the bell to get the deer's attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「鳴る」は自動詞で、風鈴が自然に鳴るように対象が勝手に音を出す状態を指します。「鳴らす」は他動詞で、人が意図的にベルを押して音を出すように、主体的な動作を指します。
親指と中指をこすり合わせて「パチン」という音を出す動作のことです。リズムを取る時や合図として使われます。
はい、「ピアノを鳴らす」のように楽器の音を出すという文脈で使えます。ただし、音楽的に演奏する場合は「弾く」「奏でる」を使うのが一般的です。
電話を鳴らす、警報を鳴らす、拍手を鳴らすなど、音を合図や警告として使う場合によく使われます。
Test Yourself
玄関のベルを___。
ベルという道具を操作して音を出すので、他動詞の「鳴らす」の過去形を使います。
指を___。
指をパチンと鳴らす動作は自分の意志で行うため、他動詞の「鳴らす」が適切です。
[警笛を / 鳴らして / 運転手は / いました]
主語＋目的語＋動詞の順序が日本語の基本です。
Score: /3
Summary
The verb 'narasu' means to intentionally make an object produce a sound.
- To make something produce a sound intentionally.
- Used for instruments, bells, alarms, or body parts.
- Focuses on the action of the agent.
Think of it as intentional action
Remember that 'narasu' requires an actor. If you see a bell ringing by itself, use 'naru' instead.
Don't confuse with causative
While 'narasu' looks like a causative form, it is a distinct transitive verb. It is not simply 'to make something ring' in a grammatical sense.
Signaling in Japan
In Japan, ringing a bell at a shrine is a way to summon the deity. Using 'narasu' correctly here shows cultural awareness.
Examples
4 of 4ベルを鳴らす。
Ring the bell.
非常時に警報を鳴らしてください。
Please sound the alarm in case of emergency.
彼は指を鳴らしてリズムを取った。
He snapped his fingers to keep the rhythm.
楽器を鳴らす技術を磨く。
Honing the skill of making an instrument sound.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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.
