铃声

• Pinyin: líng shēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 铃 = 钅(metal) + 令 (phonetic); 声 = 士 (scholar) + 殳 (weapon), original meaning related to sound

Meaning

Ringtone; the sound of a bell ringing. Most commonly refers to phone ringtones.

The sound produced by a bell or bell-like device. In modern usage, most commonly refers to mobile phone ringtones. Also used for doorbells, alarm clocks, and school bells. Can be customized or default sounds.

Examples

1. 请把手机铃声调成静音模式。 Please set your phone ringtone to silent mode.
2. 我把铃声换成了一首我喜欢的歌曲。 I changed my ringtone to a song I like.
3. 突然响起的铃声打断了会议的进行。 A sudden ringtone interrupted the meeting.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, everyday, mobile

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你的铃声太吵了，换一个吧。(Your ringtone is too loud; change it.)
• 这个铃声是哪首歌？(What song is this ringtone?)

Don't Say

• 我喜欢这个铃声的颜色。(铃声 is auditory, not visual — don't use 颜色 with it)

Origin & History

铃 (líng, bell) + 声 (shēng, sound). The sound of a bell.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal