To thunder is to produce the loud, rumbling sound caused by lightning.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the natural phenomenon of thunder.
- Commonly used to describe bad weather conditions.
- Often paired with lightning in daily conversation.
近义词比较：
- “雷鸣”：这是一个书面语或文学词汇，形容雷声巨大，多用于描写或修辞，比“打雷”更正式。
- “轰隆”：这是拟声词，模拟雷声的响度，常用来修饰打雷，例如“外面轰隆隆地打雷”。
- “闪电”：常与“打雷”连用，但“闪电”指光，而“打雷”指声音，两者虽然同时发生，但含义不同。
Examples
天突然打雷了，我们要快点回家。
everydayIt suddenly started to thunder, we need to go home quickly.
受强对流天气影响，局部地区出现打雷现象。
formalAffected by strong convective weather, thunder occurred in some areas.
我小时候特别怕打雷。
informalI was very afraid of thunder when I was a child.
雷暴云团的移动导致了频繁的打雷。
academicThe movement of thunderstorm clouds led to frequent thunder.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
打雷闪电
Thunder and lightning
怕打雷
Afraid of thunder
听见打雷
Hear thunder
Often Confused With
闪电 refers to the flash of light (lightning), whereas 打雷 refers specifically to the sound (thunder).
雷阵雨 is a type of weather event (thunderstorm) that includes both rain and thunder, not just the action of thundering.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '打雷' is neutral and can be used in almost all daily situations. In formal weather reports, you might see '雷电' (thunder and lightning) used as a noun instead. It is a very high-frequency word for A1 level learners.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse the subject. Remember that '天' is the most common subject for weather verbs like '打雷'. Do not say '云打雷' as it sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Tips
Use '天' as the subject
When describing the weather, it is very natural to use '天' (sky/weather) as the subject before '打雷'.
Don't confuse with lightning
Remember that '打雷' specifically refers to the sound (thunder), while '闪电' refers to the visual flash.
Folklore about thunder
In Chinese mythology, thunder is often associated with the 'Thunder God' (雷公), who punishes evil people.
Word Origin
The character '雷' depicts the ancient belief of rolling drums in the sky. '打' is a generic verb for 'to make' or 'to perform' in Chinese.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, the 'Thunder God' is a figure of justice. During the 'Jingzhe' (Awakening of Insects) solar term, the first spring thunder is a significant cultural marker for the start of farming.
Memory Tip
Think of '打' (hit) as the sky hitting a drum, creating the sound of '雷' (thunder).
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“打雷”是一个动作，指发出雷声；而“雷阵雨”是一个名词，指伴有雷电的阵雨天气。
在汉语日常表达中，人们习惯用“天”作为主语来概括天气现象，这是一种约定俗成的习惯用法。
打雷时应避免在空旷地带或树下躲避，尽量留在室内并关闭电器，以防雷击。
在现代汉语中，“打雷”主要作为动词短语使用，若要表达名词概念，通常使用“雷声”或“雷电”。
Test Yourself
外面正在___，你快把窗户关上。
根据语境及关窗户的动作，打雷是导致需要关窗的直接原因。
下列哪个词最适合描述雷声的巨大？
“雷鸣”侧重于形容雷声的响亮和气势。
天 / 了 / 打雷 / 突然
“突然”作为副词放在动词“打雷”之前，符合中文语序。
Score: /3
Summary
To thunder is to produce the loud, rumbling sound caused by lightning.
- Refers to the natural phenomenon of thunder.
- Commonly used to describe bad weather conditions.
- Often paired with lightning in daily conversation.
Use '天' as the subject
When describing the weather, it is very natural to use '天' (sky/weather) as the subject before '打雷'.
Don't confuse with lightning
Remember that '打雷' specifically refers to the sound (thunder), while '闪电' refers to the visual flash.
Folklore about thunder
In Chinese mythology, thunder is often associated with the 'Thunder God' (雷公), who punishes evil people.
Examples
4 of 4天突然打雷了，我们要快点回家。
It suddenly started to thunder, we need to go home quickly.
受强对流天气影响，局部地区出现打雷现象。
Affected by strong convective weather, thunder occurred in some areas.
我小时候特别怕打雷。
I was very afraid of thunder when I was a child.
雷暴云团的移动导致了频繁的打雷。
The movement of thunderstorm clouds led to frequent thunder.
