'Mén líng' literally combines 'mén' (door) and 'líng' (bell), forming a compound noun meaning 'doorbell'—the device installed near an entrance that rings to signal a visitor. It is commonly found in homes, apartments, and office buildings across China, often wired or battery-powered, and may produce a chime, beep, or recorded sound.

This word is neutral in register and used in everyday spoken and written Chinese. Unlike English, where 'doorbell' can sometimes refer to the sound itself, 'mén líng' refers specifically to the physical object or system; to describe the sound, you’d say 'mén líng xiǎng le' (the doorbell rang). It appears frequently in contexts involving home safety, hospitality, or daily routines like answering the door.