천둥
cheondung[t͡ɕʰʌ̹nduŋ]
The English word "thunder" is 천둥 (cheondung) in Korean.
천둥 is the standard noun used to refer to the deep, rumbling noise heard during a storm. If you want to describe the actual sound of thunder more descriptively, you can use 천둥소리. To express that thunder is occurring, such as saying "thunder strikes" or "there is thunder," use the verb phrase 천둥이 치다. Additionally, you may encounter the onomatopoeic expression 우르릉, which mimics the actual rumbling sound of thunder.
Meaning: deep, rumbling noise (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 천둥 refers specifically to the sound of thunder, it is distinct from 번개, which refers to the visual flash of lightning. You can also use the more descriptive term 천둥소리 by adding the suffix 소리, which means "sound."
How do you pronounce it?
cheondung
Did you know?
- The word 천둥 is actually a transformed version of the Sino-Korean term 천동, which literally translates to 'heavenly movement'.
- The expression 천둥 같다 is often used metaphorically to describe a person with a booming, loud voice.
- The onomatopoeic word 우르릉 is used not just for thunder, but also to describe the deep rumble of a heavy vehicle or a landslide.
Examples in context
- 천둥이 울렸다.Thunder rumbled.
- 갑자기 천둥 소리가 들렸어요.gapjagi cheondung soriga deullyeosseoyo.Suddenly, I heard the sound of thunder.
- 천둥이 쳐서 깜짝 놀랐어요.cheondungi chyeoseo kkamjjak nollasseoyo.I was startled because of the thunder.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are looking out the window at a stormy sky.
- 서연 Seo-yeon밖에서 천둥 소리가 들리나요?bak-eseo cheondung soriga deullinayo?Can you hear the thunder outside?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 소리가 아주 커요.ne, soriga aju keoyo.Yes, the sound is very loud.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 무서워요.hyeonu ssi, museowoyo.Hyeonu, I'm scared.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo걱정 마요, 서연 씨.geokjeong mayo, seoyeon ssi.Don't worry, Seoyeon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 천둥, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 천둥, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
