靁 (léi) - Thunder — archaic variant of 雷 (léi), meaning & thunderclap

靁Tone 2

léi ｜ 23 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

靁 · léi

Thunder — archaic variant of 雷 (léi), meaning thunder;

thunderclap;

used in ancient texts.

Thunder — archaic variant of 雷 (léi), meaningthunderclapused in ancient texts.

Usage highlights

ThunderThunder and lightningThunderclapThunder soundThunder godThunderstorm

Synonyms

  • 雷— thunder (modern standard form)

Antonyms

  • 电— lightning (complementary rather than opposite)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ancient text recorded the sound of thunder (靁).
  • Thunder and lightning in classical literature (靁电).
  • This character appears in oracle bone inscriptions (甲骨文中的靁).

Collocations

  • Thunder(靁)
  • Thunder and lightning(靁电)
  • Thunderclap(靁鸣)
  • Thunder sound(靁声)
  • Thunder god(靁神)
  • Thunderstorm(靁雨)

Idioms

  • Like a sudden clap of thunder(如靁贯耳)
  • Thunderous applause(掌声如靁)
  • The thunder rolls(靁霆万钧)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • One of the earliest Chinese characters for thunder, found in oracle bone inscriptions.
  • Represents the ancient Chinese understanding of natural phenomena and celestial power.
  • The character's structure with multiple 田 fields may symbolize the rolling, repetitive nature of thunder.

FAQ