khóa chuông

Cô bé mở khóa chuông để vào nhà.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of lock that produces a ringing sound, similar to a bell, when it is opened or closed. The name literally combines "khóa" (lock) and "chuông" (bell), describing its auditory characteristic.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cửa hàng này bán một loại khóa chuông cổ rất đẹp. (This shop sells a very beautiful antique bell lock.)
  • Tiếng khóa chuông vang lên báo hiệu có khách. (The sound of the bell lock rang out, signaling a guest.)

Advanced Usage

• Historically, "khóa chuông" refers to mechanical locks, often for doors or gates, designed with a metal component that strikes a plate or bell inside the mechanism upon operation. It is not used for modern electronic locks or alarms.

Variants and Related Words

• Khóa (n): lock.
  • Anh quên chìa khóa trong nhà. (He forgot the key inside the house.)
• Chuông (n): bell.
  • Chuông điện thoại reo. (The telephone bell rang.)

Synonyms

• Bell lock: A direct descriptive translation.
• Ringing lock: Emphasizes the sound-producing function.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is specific and descriptive, referring primarily to the lock's functional feature (the sound it makes) rather than its locking mechanism. It is an older term for a specific design.