雷神
Raijin
The English phrase "thunder God" is translated into Japanese as 雷神 (Raijin).
雷神 refers to a thunder deity.
Meaning: thunder deity (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
Raijin
When do people say it?
Raijin is a specific mythological figure in Japanese Shinto tradition, often depicted as a drum-playing deity surrounded by lightning.
Did you know?
- In some local festivals, people use the image of 雷神 to pray for protection against lightning strikes. This turns a fearsome deity into a guardian figure who controls the danger.
- The depiction of 雷神 with drums is a uniquely Japanese evolution. Earlier versions of thunder deities in other East Asian cultures did not always use percussion to create the sound of storms.
- In Japanese art, 雷神 is almost always paired with 風神, the wind god. Together, they represent the chaotic forces of nature that can destroy crops or bring necessary rain.
Examples in context
- 雷神は力と威厳を象徴します。The thunder god symbolizes power and dignity.
- 雷神はとても強力です。Raijin wa totemo kyouryoku desu.The thunder god is very powerful.
- 昔、雷神の伝説がありました。Mukashi, Raijin no densetsu ga arimashita.Long ago, there was a legend of the thunder god.
- 雷神を描いた絵を見ました。Raijin o kaita e o mimashita.I saw a painting of the thunder god.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are looking at a Japanese folklore book in a library.
- 蓮 Renこの雷神の絵はかっこいいね。Kono Raijin no e wa kakkoii ne.This picture of the thunder god is cool, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当だ。とても迫力があるね。Hontou da. Totemo hakuryoku ga aru ne.It really is. It's very impactful.
- 蓮 Ren結衣は日本の神様を知っている？Yui wa Nihon no kamisama o shitte iru?Yui, do you know about Japanese deities?
- 結衣 Yui少しだけ知っているよ。Sukoshi dake shitte iru yo.I know a little bit.
