About
雹 is a phono-semantic compound representing hail. Its semantic component 雨 (rain) at the top categorizes it as a weather phenomenon, while the phonetic component 包 (bāo) at the bottom suggests pronunciation. Some analyses also note a semantic link: 包 hints at water being "wrapped" or enclosed into solid form. Historically, the character has meant exclusively the solid ice pellets of thunderstorms, with no major secondary or metaphorical meanings in standard use. Its structure reflects the traditional Chinese method of classifying natural elements, connecting falling ice directly to the broader category of rain and atmospheric water.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
昨天晚上突然下雹子了。
天气预报说下午可能有冰雹。
这场冰雹把菜园的叶子都打坏了。
春末的雹灾让果农损失严重。
雹子噼里啪啦地打在窗户上。
猛烈的雹暴伴随着雷电一起到来。
泥石流发生的时候，居然还夹杂着冰雹。
高速公路因路面结雹而暂时封闭。