Knock on Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈnɑk/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn

NAHK-on

UK

nˈɒk/ /ˈɒn

NOK-on

Definition

To hit a door or other surface with your hand or something hard to get someone's attention or to ask for entry.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used for doors. Typical phrase: 'knock on the door.' Common mistake: don't say 'knock the door' (which may mean to hit it so hard it breaks). Also used metaphorically ('knock on wood' is separate, unrelated idiom).

• Spanish: tocar - golpear (puerta)
• Portuguese (BR): bater (na porta)
• Portuguese (PT): bater (à porta)
• Chinese (Simplified): 敲（门）
• Chinese (Traditional): 敲（門）
• Hindi: खटखटाना (दरवाज़ा)
• Arabic: يطرق (الباب)
• Bengali: থাপড়ানো - কড়া নাড়া
• Russian: постучать по - стучать по
• Japanese: ノックする
• Vietnamese: gõ lên
• Korean: 두드리다
• Turkish: kapıyı çalmak - tıklatmak
• Urdu: دستک دینا
• Indonesian: mengetuk

Example Sentences

Please knock on the door before entering.

basic

She heard someone knock on the window.

basic

If you need help, just knock on my office door.

basic

I didn't want to knock on his door so late at night.

natural

People sometimes knock on their neighbors' doors to borrow something.

natural

I heard someone knock on the wall next door last night.

natural