霹靂一閃
hekireki issen
The phrase "thunderclap and flash" in Japanese is 霹靂一閃 (hekireki issen).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 霹靂 (hekireki), meaning a sudden thunderclap and 一閃 (issen), meaning a flash or a single stroke of light.
How do you pronounce it?
hekireki issen
When do people say it?
In modern popular culture, this specific phrasing is strongly associated with the 'Demon Slayer' series.
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese martial arts and swordplay, 一閃 describes a single, decisive strike of a blade that is so fast the eye can only perceive a flash of light.
- While 霹靂 means thunder, it is not the common word for the sound of thunder heard during a storm, which is 雷鳴. 霹靂 is reserved for an explosive, singular crash.
- In Japanese, the word 一閃 describes not only a flash of light but also a sudden spark of genius or a flash of inspiration in the mind.
Examples in context
- 昨夜はどこからどしんと雷鳴が響いて、稲妻が光った。Last night, thunder suddenly boomed and lightning flashed.
- 見事な雷鳴と稲妻が空を彩った。A splendid thunderclap and flash illuminated the sky.
- サッカーの試合中に稲妻が光り、雷鳴が響いた。Lightning flashed and thunderclap roared during the soccer match.
- 霹靂一閃の技はすごい。hekireki issen no waza wa sugoi.The technique of thunderclap and flash is amazing.
Example conversation
Two siblings are watching an anime together in the living room.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、今の霹靂一閃を見た？Youta, ima no hekireki issen o mita?Youta, did you see that thunderclap and flash just now?
- 陽太 Yota見たよ、すごくかっこいいよね。Mita yo, sugoku kakkoii yo ne.I saw it, it's really cool, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari陽太も練習したいのかな？Youta mo renshuu shitai no kana?I wonder if you want to practice it too, Youta?
- 陽太 Yota無理だよ、陽葵。あれは凄すぎる。Muri da yo, Himari. Are wa sugosugiru.That's impossible, Himari. That is too incredible.
