Meanings of 鼓掌
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About 鼓掌
Podcast: 鼓掌
Podcast: 鼓掌
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AI Study Notes for 鼓掌
鼓励 (gǔlì, to encourage) - use 鼓掌 when referring specifically to the act of clapping, while 鼓励 focuses on providing support or motivation.
Be careful not to confuse 鼓掌 with similar phrases that imply different types of approval or encouragement. It's generally used in a positive context, and is more informal than some alternatives. Common collocations include '热烈鼓掌' (warm applause) and '齐声鼓掌' (applauding in unison).
As an HSK 5 word, 鼓掌 connects well with other verbs related to actions, such as 表演 (biǎoyǎn, to perform) and 赞美 (zànměi, to praise). Focus on using it in sentences that involve reactions to events or performances.
Learners often confuse 鼓掌 with 拍手 (pāishǒu), which also means to clap but can imply a more casual or playful action. For example, saying '我想拍手' (I want to clap) is less formal than '我想鼓掌'.
Pronunciation of 鼓掌
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Component Characters
How to say to applaud in Chinese
“to applaud” in Chinese is鼓掌
鼓掌 means to applaud or clap, usually in response to a performance, speech, or achievement. It conveys appreciation and encouragement, and is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, such as concerts or ceremonies.
When to use 鼓掌
Be careful not to confuse 鼓掌 with similar phrases that imply different types of approval or encouragement. It's generally used in a positive context, and is more informal than some alternatives. Common collocations include '热烈鼓掌' (warm applause) and '齐声鼓掌' (applauding in unison).
鼓掌 or something close to it
鼓励 (gǔlì, to encourage) - use 鼓掌 when referring specifically to the act of clapping, while 鼓励 focuses on providing support or motivation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鼓掌 with 拍手 (pāishǒu), which also means to clap but can imply a more casual or playful action. For example, saying '我想拍手' (I want to clap) is less formal than '我想鼓掌'.
Write 鼓掌
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Practice writing 鼓掌 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 鼓掌
鼓掌 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
我不断听到隐约的____声。
I kept hearing the sound of applause in the background.
Example Sentences for 鼓掌 (6)
Frequently Asked Questions about 鼓掌
Yes, 鼓掌 is appropriate for both settings, though the intensity may vary.
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