Translation guide
Describes a loud, deep, resonant sound like thunder, or the action of making such a sound. Can be literal (weather) or figurative (applause, voice, hooves).
To describe something producing a sound reminiscent of thunder, such as a voice, applause, or hooves.
Uses the verb 轟く (to roar, to reverberate) attributively. This is the most direct and natural way to describe a thundering sound.
His thundering voice echoed throughout the room.
Thundering applause erupted from the audience.
A literary or formal adjective meaning 'roaring' or 'thundering', often used for sounds like wind, waves, or engines.
The thundering sound of the waterfall echoed through the valley.
Literally 'like thunder'. A simile that is easily understood but slightly less idiomatic than 轟くような for figurative uses.
Thunder-like applause filled the stadium.
To describe the meteorological phenomenon of thunder sounding.
To describe something large or numerous moving and creating a thunderous noise, like a herd of animals or a train.
While 雷のような (like thunder) is understandable, it can sound childish or overly direct in figurative contexts. Prefer 轟くような for natural, idiomatic expressions like 'thundering applause'.
thundering applause
遠くで雷鳴がとどろいた。
Thunder rumbled in the distance.
The truck thundered past.