chime

[/tʃaɪm/]
noun/verbpl: chimes
sino, carrilhão, badalar
1. (noun) A bell or set of bells producing musical sounds, typically as part of a clock or doorbell
The church chimes rang at noon every day.
Os sinos da igreja carrilhonavam ao meio-dia todos os dias.
2. (noun) The sound produced by a bell or bells
The soft chime of the doorbell announced the visitor's arrival.
O sino suave da porta anunciou a chegada do visitante.
3. (verb) To ring or sound like a bell, especially in a musical way
The clock chimes every hour.
O relógio bate a cada hora.
4. (verb) To chime in - to interrupt or interject a comment in a conversation
She chimed in with her opinion during the meeting.
Ela interveio com sua opinião durante a reunião.
In Brazilian culture, church chimes (carrilhões) are significant in colonial towns, particularly in Minas Gerais. The phrase 'chime in' is commonly used in both American and Brazilian Portuguese conversations to mean contributing an opinion. In USA, clock chimes are traditional household items, often associated with grandfather clocks and nostalgic Americana.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
bellringtollpealbongdong
Antonyms / Antônimos
silencequietmute

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sino, carrilhão, badalar
Standard translation used throughout Brazil
Portugal
carrilhão, sino, toque
Portuguese prefers 'carrilhão' for set of bells and 'toque' for the sound
Rio de Janeiro
sino, badalar
Colloquial use of badalar for the ringing sound
São Paulo
carrilhão, sino
More formal usage, particularly in church contexts

Related Words

bellclockdoorbellcarillonpealtoll

Related Idioms & Phrases

chime in - to add your voice or opinion to a conversation
chime in with - to contribute or agree with something
chimes of freedom - a metaphorical reference to liberty and justice
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