雷
léi/leɪ̯³⁵/
The English word 'thunder' is translated into Chinese as 雷, pronounced léi.
雷 refers to the phenomenon of thunder. In modern Chinese internet slang, 雷 can be used to describe something that is shocking, cringeworthy or 'strikes' a person with discomfort. To emphasize the loudness or intensity of thunder, you can use the words 隆隆 or 巨响.
Meaning: deep, rumbling noise (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 雷 can mean the phenomenon of thunder, it is often used in compound words to distinguish the sound from the lightning itself. The compound word 雷電 is frequently used to refer to the combined phenomenon of thunder and lightning.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix 聲, meaning 'sound', to 雷 is the most natural way to refer specifically to the audible noise of thunder, creating 雷聲.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is léi. The IPA is /leɪ̯³⁵/.
Did you know?
- The term 雷 is also used in internet slang to mean 'spoiler', a humorous shortening of the Japanese-derived phrase 捏他八雷.
- In Chinese culture, the 'Thunder God' 雷公 is often depicted as a bird-like humanoid who uses a hammer to create the sound of 雷.
Examples in context
- 妳怕不怕雷電交加的夜晚？Are you afraid of nights with thunder and lightning?This example shows how to use 雷 when talking about a night with thunder and lightning.Tatoeba #13513827 by LeviHighway, translation #13538330 by LeviHighway
- 雷聲嚇到孩子了。The thunder scared the children.This example shows how to use 雷 to describe the sound of thunder scaring children.Tatoeba #838508 by Martha, translation #246088 by CK
- 閃電常常伴隨著雷鳴。Lightning is usually followed by thunder.This example shows how to use 雷 to describe lightning being followed by thunder.Tatoeba #798210 by Martha, translation #27162 by CK
- 天空中雷声隆隆。Thunder rumbles in the sky.
- 外面打雷了，你收衣服回来吧！It's thundering outside, bring in your clothes!
- 夜晚的雷电美丽而恢弘。The thunder and lightning at night are beautiful and magnificent.
- 雷声隆隆Thunder rumbles
- 雷声巨响Thunder roars
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is sitting in their living room during a storm.
- 俊杰 Junjie外面在打雷，妳怕嗎？wài miàn zài dǎ léi, nǐ pà ma?There is thunder outside, are you afraid?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我有一點點怕。wǒ yǒu yī diǎn diǎn pà.I am a little afraid.
- 俊杰 Junjie別擔心，我陪妳。bié dān xīn, wǒ péi nǐ.Don't worry, I am here with you.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen謝謝俊杰。xiè xiè jùn jié.Thank you, Junjie.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 雷, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 雷, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
