Ring a bell Meaning in English
expression
ˈɹɪŋ/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈbɛɫ
RING-uh-BELL
ɹˈɪŋ/ /æɪ/ /bˈɛl
RING-uh-BELL
Definition
If something 'rings a bell', it sounds familiar or reminds you of something, even if you can't remember details.
Usage & Nuances
Idiom, informal. Used when you recognize something but can't remember specifics. Common with names, faces, or facts. Not literal—don't use about actual bells.
Spanish: sonar - resultar familiarPortuguese (BR): soar familiar - parecer conhecidoPortuguese (PT): soar familiar - parecer conhecidoChinese (Simplified): 听起来熟悉Chinese (Traditional): 聽起來耳熟Hindi: सुना-सुना सा लगनाArabic: يبدو مألوفًاBengali: পরিচিত লাগে - মনে পড়েRussian: знакомо звучит - что-то напоминаетJapanese: 聞き覚えがある - ピンとくるVietnamese: nghe quen - gợi nhớKorean: 익숙하게 들리다 - 기억이 날 듯하다Turkish: bir yerden tanıdık gelmekUrdu: جانا پہچانا لگنا - یاد دلاناIndonesian: terdengar familiar - terasa pernah dengar
Example Sentences
Does the name John Smith ring a bell?
basic
That story doesn't ring a bell for me.
basic
His face rings a bell, but I don't know from where.
basic
That movie title rings a bell, but I've never seen it.
natural
Sorry, that doesn't ring a bell. Can you remind me?
natural
Her name vaguely rings a bell, but I can't put my finger on it.
natural