Lightning in Japanese
"lightning" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
雷
kaminari
2 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "lightning". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
雷 is thunder and lightning together — Japanese does not split them as English does. 稲妻 (inazuma) is lightning specifically, written rice-plant and wife, from the belief that lightning made the rice ripen. 蛍 is a firefly, unrelated.
Top pick
thunder, lightning bolt
Reading: rai
13 strokes · powerful, nature
Where it comes from
Composed of rain and field. Roaring sound under rain clouds.
What it carries
Thunder, power, divine wrath. Represents natural force and awe.
Related kanji for "lightning"
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for lightning?
The most common kanji for "lightning" is 雷, read as rai. It means thunder, lightning bolt. Related kanji: 蛍 (lightning).
How many strokes does 雷 have?
雷 has 13 strokes.