Translation guide
The loud sound that follows lightning. In Japanese, the word 雷 (kaminari) covers both lightning and thunder, so context or additional words are often used to specify the sound alone.
Referring specifically to the loud rumbling or cracking sound produced by lightning.
Referring to the entire weather event including lightning flashes and thunder sounds.
Describing a loud, resonant sound similar to thunder, such as an explosion or applause.
Literally 'a sound like thunder'. Used to describe any thunderous noise.
雷のような爆発音がした。
There was a thunderous explosion.
雷 (kaminari) is the general term for thunder and lightning together. 稲妻 (inazuma) specifically means a lightning bolt or flash. If you want to talk about the flash of light, use 稲妻. If you hear a loud boom, it's 雷.
Japanese has rich onomatopoeia for thunder sounds. ゴロゴロ (gorogoro) is for rumbling, ピカッ (pikatto) for a flash, and ドーン (doon) for a loud crack. These are often used with 雷 (kaminari) to vividly describe the experience.
The most common word for both lightning and thunder. When you hear a loud boom, you can simply say 雷だ (kaminari da). To emphasize the sound, use phrases like 雷の音 (kaminari no oto) or 雷が鳴る (kaminari ga naru).
雷が鳴った。
Thunder rumbled.
遠くで雷の音が聞こえる。
I can hear thunder in the distance.
A more formal or literary term specifically meaning 'thunderclap' or 'peal of thunder'. Often used in weather reports or written descriptions.
雷鳴がとどろいた。
Thunder roared.
Onomatopoeia for the rumbling sound of thunder. Often used with 鳴る (naru) to describe continuous rolling thunder.
雷がゴロゴロ鳴っている。
Thunder is rumbling.
Covers both lightning and thunder. In everyday conversation, 雷 (kaminari) is used for the whole phenomenon. To be specific about lightning, you can say 稲妻 (inazuma) or 雷光 (raikou).
Thunderstorm. Refers to rain accompanied by thunder and lightning.
午後は雷雨になるでしょう。
There will be thunderstorms in the afternoon.
A roaring or booming sound. Can be used for thunder, explosions, or loud engines.
轟音が鳴り響いた。
A thunderous roar echoed.