雷|かみなりkaminari[3]nakadaka (mid-high)

1. nounlightning; thunder; thunderbolt
   子供達こどもたちは雷かみなりにおびえた。↗

   The thunder scared the children.
2. noungod of thunder; god of lightning
3. nounanger; fit of anger

• Synonym稲妻いなずまNeutralLightning, stressing the shape of the flash; often a metaphor for speed, while 「雷」 suggests the rumbling.
• Synonym雷電らいでんWrittenA written word for thunder and lightning together, often used in names; 「雷」 is the everyday word and can also mean a fit of anger.
• Synonym霹靂へきれきWrittenA written word for a thunderclap, a loud crack of thunder; best known from 「青天の霹靂」, a set phrase for a bolt from the blue.
• Synonym雷光らいこうWrittenA written word for the flash of lightning; 「雷」 centers on the sound of thunder or the phenomenon as a whole.
• Related電光でんこうWrittenA written word for the flash of lightning, also electric light; chiefly seen in 「電光石火」, which describes lightning speed.
• Related稲光いなびかりNeutralThe flash of lightning, with the stress on the light; 「雷」 centers on the sound of thunder.

Use 「雷」 for thunder, thunder and lightning, or a fit of anger, as in 「雷が落ちる」. For lightning itself pick 「稲妻」 or 「稲光」. For the unexpected use 「青天の霹靂」, and for great speed 「電光石火」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. （かみなり）雲くもと雲くもの間あいだ、または雲くもと地ちの間あいだに起おきる大規模だいきぼな放電ほうでん現象げんしょう。