雷雲(らいうん)

らいうん
noun
thundercloud
1. thundercloud; cumulonimbus cloud that produces lightning
A large, dark cloud that generates thunder and lightning, typically accompanied by heavy rain. Technically a type of cumulonimbus cloud.
西(にし)の空(そら)に雷雲(らいうん)が見(み)える。
I can see thunderclouds in the western sky.
雷雲(らいうん)が近(ちか)づいてきたので、外(そと)に出(で)ないほうがいい。
Thunderclouds are approaching, so you'd better stay inside.
夏(なつ)の午後(ごご)になると雷雲(らいうん)が発達(はったつ)しやすく、突然(とつぜん)の雷雨(らいう)になることがある。
On summer afternoons, thunderclouds tend to develop easily, sometimes leading to sudden thunderstorms.

A compound of 雷(らい) (thunder/lightning) + 雲(うん) (cloud). Commonly encountered in weather forecasts and everyday conversation about storms, especially during Japan's hot, humid summers when afternoon thunderstorms are frequent.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 雷雲(らいうん)が発達(はったつ)する: thunderclouds develop
  • 雷雲(らいうん)が近(ちか)づく: thunderclouds approach
  • 雷雲(らいうん)が広(ひろ)がる: thunderclouds spread
  • 雷雲(らいうん)の下(した): under the thunderclouds

RELATED TERMS:

  • 積乱雲(せきらんうん): cumulonimbus (the meteorological term for the cloud type)
  • 入道雲(にゅうどうぐも): towering cumulus cloud (everyday name for large summer clouds)
  • 雷(かみなり): thunder; lightning
  • 雷雨(らいう): thunderstorm
general
Added 2026.5.8 0:20
27000/27189_raiun