雳 (lì) - Thunderclap, thunderbolt — refers to a sudden, loud & used metaphorically for something sudden, violent, or shocking.

雳Tone 4

lì ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

雳 · lì

Thunderclap, thunderbolt — refers to a sudden, loud crash of thunder;

used metaphorically for something sudden, violent, or shocking.

Thunderclap, thunderbolt — refers to a sudden, loudused metaphorically for something sudden, violent, or shocking.

Usage highlights

ThunderclapThunderboltLike a thunderbolt from a clear skyThunder fireThunderclap fistThunderclap dance

Synonyms

  • 雷— thunder (more general term)
  • 雷霆— thunderclap, thunderbolt

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • A loud thunderclap (霹雳) startled everyone.
  • The news hit like a thunderbolt (如晴天霹雳).
  • The thunderbolt (雷霆) of divine punishment.
  • He has a thunderous temper (霹雳火).

Collocations

  • Thunderclap(霹雳)
  • Thunderbolt(雷霆)
  • Like a thunderbolt from a clear sky(晴天霹雳)
  • Thunder fire(霹雳火)
  • Thunderclap fist(霹雳拳)
  • Thunderclap dance(霹雳舞)

Idioms

  • Like a thunderbolt from a clear sky(晴天霹雳)
  • Thunderclap and morning dew(霹雳露)
  • Thunderous speed(雷霆万钧)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese mythology, thunder is often associated with divine power and punishment.
  • The character 雳 is almost exclusively used in the compound 霹雳 (pīlì) meaning thunderclap/thunderbolt.
  • 霹雳舞 (breakdancing) became popular in China in the 1980s, borrowing the term for its explosive movements.

FAQ