青天霹靂(せいてんへきれき)

せいてんへきれき
noun, expression
bolt from the blue; sudden shock
expression
1. bolt from the blue; sudden shock
An unexpected, shocking event that comes without warning, like thunder from a clear blue sky.
彼(かれ)の辞任(じにん)は青天(せいてん)の霹靂(へきれき)だった。
His resignation was a bolt from the blue.
会社(かいしゃ)の倒産(とうさん)は青天霹靂(せいてんへきれき)の知(し)らせだった。
The company's bankruptcy was completely unexpected news.
まさに青天霹靂(せいてんへきれき)で言葉(ことば)も出(で)なかった。
It was such a shock I was speechless.

FOUR-CHARACTER IDIOM (四字熟語(よじじゅくご)):
青天(せいてん) (clear/blue sky) + 霹靂(へきれき) (thunderclap)

Alternate forms

  • 青天(せいてん)の霹靂(へきれき): same meaning with の particle inserted

Etymology

From classical Chinese poetry. 霹靂(へきれき) specifically refers to a sudden, loud thunderclap.

Usage

Used to describe completely unexpected news or events, typically shocking or surprising. The event itself can be either positive or negative, but the emphasis is on its unexpectedness.

Common patterns

general
Added 2026.1.17 12:42 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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