гром
grom[ɡrom]
The English word "thunder" is translated into Russian as гром (grom).
Гром is the most common and versatile word for the deep, rumbling noise of thunder. You can also use the synonym грохот to describe a loud, crashing or thundering noise, though this is often used more generally for any loud crash rather than just the meteorological phenomenon. If you want to describe the action of making such a noise, you can use the verbs греметь, грохота́ть or громыха́ть.
Meaning: deep, rumbling noise (noun)
Which one should you use?
While гром refers specifically to the sound of thunder, the Russian word молния is used to refer to lightning. Additionally, if you are referring to the specific rolls or peals of thunder, the phrase раскаты грома is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In certain phrases, such as раскаты грома (rolls of thunder), the word appears in the genitive singular form грома.
How do you pronounce it?
grom
When do people say it?
The phrase Как гром среди ясного неба (Like thunder from a clear sky) is used to describe something that happens suddenly, unexpectedly and catches people off guard.
Did you know?
- While гром is the sound, the word гроза describes the entire thunderstorm, including the rain and lightning, and can also metaphorically mean a 'terrible person' who inspires fear.
- In ancient Slavic mythology, the sound of гром was attributed to the god Перун, who was believed to strike the sky with a hammer or axe.
- The Proto-Slavic root of гром is thought to be an onomatopoeia, meaning the word itself was designed to imitate the sound of the booming noise it describes.
Examples in context
- Гром есть, а дождя нет.There's thunder, but no rain.This sentence shows the use of гром to contrast thunder with the absence of rain.Tatoeba #8860869 by marafon, translation #10639662 by sundown
- Ты слышал раскаты грома?Did you hear the thunder rumbling?This sentence uses грома to describe the sound of thunder rumbling.Tatoeba #4311052 by whatnot, translation #4309800 by patgfisher
- Том слышал вдалеке гром.Tom heard thunder in the distance.This sentence shows гром being heard at a distance.Tatoeba #6902561 by marafon, translation #6902556 by Hybrid
- Как гром среди ясного небаLike thunder from a clear sky
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dmitry are sitting by a window during a storm.
- Мария MariaСлышишь, это был гром?Slyshish', eto byl grom?Do you hear that, was that thunder?
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, очень сильный гром.Da, ochen' sil'nyy grom.Yes, very strong thunder.
- Мария MariaМне страшно от этого грома.Mne strashno ot etogo gromа.I am scared of this thunder.
- Дмитрий DmitryНе бойся, Мария, это просто гроза.Ne boysya, Mariya, eto prosto groza.Don't be afraid, Maria, it's just a thunderstorm.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry гром, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries гром, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
