雷 (léi) - Thunder & also refers to explosive devices like mines, and

雷Tone 2

léi ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

雷 · léi

Thunder;

also refers to explosive devices like mines, and metaphorically to things that are sudden, powerful, or explosive.

Thunderalso refers to explosive devices like mines, and

Usage highlights

ThunderThunder and lightningMineThunderstormThunderclapThunder god

Synonyms

  • 电— lightning (often paired with thunder)
  • 霹雳— thunderbolt, thunderclap

Antonyms

  • 晴— clear weather (opposite of thunderstorm conditions)
  • 静— quiet, still (opposite of thunder's loudness)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The thunder is very loud (雷声很大).
  • Be careful of landmines (地雷).
  • He was struck by lightning (他被雷击中了).
  • This joke is really corny (这个笑话真雷人).

Collocations

  • Thunder(雷声)
  • Thunder and lightning(雷电)
  • Mine(地雷)
  • Thunderstorm(雷雨)
  • Thunderclap(雷暴)
  • Thunder god(雷神)

Idioms

  • Like a sudden clap of thunder(如雷贯耳)
  • Thunderous applause(掌声雷动)
  • Avoiding thunder and lightning(避雷针)
  • Thunder out of a clear sky(晴天霹雳)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese mythology, Lei Gong is the god of thunder who punishes evil-doers.
  • Thunder is often associated with divine power, authority, and sudden change in Chinese culture.
  • The character appears in many Chinese surnames, most notably Lei Feng, a cultural hero.

FAQ