haang4 leoi4行雷
Jyutpinghaang4 leoi4
Yalehàahng lèuih
Definition
To thunder; for the sky to make the sound of thunder.
Example
colloquialweathernature
How it's used
Unlike the Mandarin term 打雷 which uses the verb for hitting, Cantonese speakers use 行 which literally means to walk or to move. This verb is also used for other weather phenomena like 行雨 to describe rain moving in or occurring. It implies a sense of the weather event being an active, moving force across the sky.
Examples
It suddenly thundered just now, it scared me.
Related words
Common phrases
thunder and lightning
Common mistake
Avoid using 打雷 as it sounds distinctly non-native in a Cantonese context, even though it is widely understood. Stick to 行雷 for natural speech.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
