雷厉风行
lei li feng xing
Act vigorously and resolutely
Literally: Thunder-fierce, wind-blows
In 15 Seconds
- Describes acting with lightning speed and powerful execution.
- Commonly used to praise high efficiency in professional settings.
- Implies a decisive, bold, and authoritative style of working.
Meaning
Imagine someone who gets things done with the speed of a lightning bolt and the force of a gale. It describes a person who works with incredible efficiency, making quick decisions and taking immediate action without any dragging of feet.
Key Examples
3 of 6Praising a new manager's efficiency
新来的经理办事雷厉风行，大家都很佩服。
The new manager works with such vigor and resolution; everyone admires him.
Describing a friend who planned a party in ten minutes
你真是雷厉风行，这么快就把聚会安排好了！
You're so efficient! You've arranged the party so quickly!
Discussing government policy enforcement
这项新政策执行起来雷厉风行。
This new policy was implemented with great vigor and speed.
Cultural Background
Frequently used in state media to describe 'Anti-corruption' ({反腐|fǎnfǔ}) campaigns or 'Poverty Alleviation' ({脱贫攻坚|tuōpín gōngjiān}) efforts, signaling the government's resolve. In the high-pressure tech world, this phrase is a badge of honor. It's often used in internal memos to encourage employees to act faster than competitors. Teachers use this to describe students who are not only fast but very disciplined in their study habits. Understanding this phrase requires knowing Han Yu, one of the 'Eight Great Masters of the Tang and Song'. His 'Ancient Prose Movement' aimed for clarity and power, much like this idiom.
Resume Power Word
Use this in your Chinese resume under 'Work Style' to immediately signal high productivity.
Don't Overuse
Because it's a strong idiom, using it every day can make you sound like a news anchor. Save it for truly impressive efficiency.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes acting with lightning speed and powerful execution.
- Commonly used to praise high efficiency in professional settings.
- Implies a decisive, bold, and authoritative style of working.
What It Means
Think of a sudden summer storm. The lightning flashes and the wind roars instantly. That is 雷厉风行. It describes someone who executes tasks with absolute speed and intensity. It is not just about being fast. It is about being powerful and decisive. There is no hesitation here. No second-guessing. Just pure, unadulterated momentum.
How To Use It
You usually use this as an adjective to describe a person's style. It often follows the verb 办事 (handling affairs). You can say someone 办事雷厉风行. It functions like a high-praise badge for efficiency. It is like saying they are a productivity superhero. Use it when you are genuinely impressed by someone's pace.
When To Use It
This is perfect for the workplace. Use it when a manager finishes a week-long project in two hours. Use it when a friend organizes a group trip in a single afternoon. It fits perfectly in performance reviews or recommendation letters. You can also use it to describe strict enforcement of new rules. If the government passes a law and starts enforcing it the next morning, that is 雷厉风行.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for slow, creative processes. You would not say a painter is 雷厉风行 while delicately blending colors. Avoid using it for relaxed, lazy Sundays. If you are slowly sipping coffee, you are the opposite of this phrase. Also, be careful using it for someone who is just 'rushed.' This phrase implies quality and authority, not just frantic running around. Don't use it for a clumsy person breaking things in a hurry.
Cultural Background
This phrase originally comes from old texts describing the power of the heavens. In ancient China, the 'thunder' and 'wind' represented the absolute will of the Emperor or the gods. It suggested that when an order was given, it was carried out across the land instantly. Today, it has shifted from 'scary power' to 'admirable efficiency.' It reflects the high value modern Chinese culture places on hard work and rapid execution.
Common Variations
You might hear people just say 厉行 (strictly enforce) in legal contexts. However, 雷厉风行 is the full 'flavor' version. Sometimes people pair it with 风风火火 (bustling about). But while 风风火火 can be a bit chaotic, 雷厉风行 is always professional and controlled. It is the difference between a busy bee and a precision-guided missile.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register idiom. While it's common in daily speech, it carries a sense of respect and formality. Use it when you want to emphasize someone's leadership or professional competence.
Resume Power Word
Use this in your Chinese resume under 'Work Style' to immediately signal high productivity.
Don't Overuse
Because it's a strong idiom, using it every day can make you sound like a news anchor. Save it for truly impressive efficiency.
The 'Strict' Nuance
Remember that '厉' means strict. This phrase implies that the person is not just fast, but also follows the rules strictly.
Examples
6新来的经理办事雷厉风行，大家都很佩服。
The new manager works with such vigor and resolution; everyone admires him.
Here it highlights the manager's ability to get things done quickly.
你真是雷厉风行，这么快就把聚会安排好了！
You're so efficient! You've arranged the party so quickly!
A friendly way to compliment a proactive friend.
这项新政策执行起来雷厉风行。
This new policy was implemented with great vigor and speed.
Used to describe the strict and fast rollout of rules.
回复邮件这么快，真是雷厉风行啊！
Replying to emails this fast? You're like a whirlwind of efficiency!
A lighthearted but respectful compliment.
我妈打扫卫生向来是雷厉风行，半小时全屋搞定。
My mom cleans the house like a storm; the whole place is done in half an hour.
Uses the grandiosity of the phrase for a relatable home situation.
在危机时刻，他雷厉风行的作风稳定了军心。
In the moment of crisis, his resolute actions stabilized everyone's morale.
Emphasizes the 'resolute' aspect of the phrase.
Test Yourself
Choose the best context for {雷厉风行|léilì-fēngxíng}.
{下面|xiàmiàn}{哪|nǎ}{个|gè}{句子|jùzi}{使用|shǐyòng}{最|zuì}{合适|héshì}？
B is correct because it describes a professional handling of tasks. A, C, and D are incorrect contexts (physical speed, eating, and weather).
Fill in the blank with the correct characters.
{他|tā}{办事|bànshì}____风行，{从不|cóngbù}{拖延|tuōyán}。
The correct idiom is {雷厉风行|léilì-fēngxíng}.
Complete the dialogue using the idiom.
A: {老板|lǎobǎn}{要求|yāoqiú}{我们|wǒmen}{明天|míngtiān}{前|qián}{完成|wánchéng}。 B: {没问题|méiwèntí}，{我们|wǒmen}____。
B is promising to work fast and efficiently to meet a deadline.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{下面|xiàmiàn}{哪|nǎ}{个|gè}{句子|jùzi}{使用|shǐyòng}{最|zuì}{合适|héshì}？
B is correct because it describes a professional handling of tasks. A, C, and D are incorrect contexts (physical speed, eating, and weather).
{他|tā}{办事|bànshì}____风行，{从不|cóngbù}{拖延|tuōyán}。
The correct idiom is {雷厉风行|léilì-fēngxíng}.
A: {老板|lǎobǎn}{要求|yāoqiú}{我们|wǒmen}{明天|míngtiān}{前|qián}{完成|wánchéng}。 B: {没问题|méiwèntí}，{我们|wǒmen}____。
B is promising to work fast and efficiently to meet a deadline.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, that would be {飞快|fēikuài} or {极速|jísù}. {雷厉风行|léilì-fēngxíng} is for human actions and processes.
Usually, yes. However, if someone is *too* strict or fast without considering feelings, it can be slightly critical, but 90% of the time it's positive.
{迅速|xùnsù} is just 'rapid'. {雷厉风行|léilì-fēngxíng} is a more powerful, literary way to say 'rapid and forceful'.
Yes, it's very appropriate for professional emails, especially when describing a plan of action.
The opposite is {拖泥带水|tuōní-dàishuǐ} (dragging mud and water), which is very negative.
Related Phrases
大刀阔斧
similarTo act boldly and decisively (like using a big axe).
拖泥带水
contrastMessy, slow, and hesitant (dragging through mud).
闻风而动
similarTo act immediately upon hearing news.
兵贵神速
similarSpeed is the most important thing in war.
