鼓掌

• Pinyin: gǔ zhǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 鼓 = to strike/drum; 掌 = palm of hand

Meaning

To clap; to applaud. The act of striking palms together to show appreciation or approval.

Used to express appreciation, congratulations, or welcome. Common at performances, speeches, ceremonies, and meetings. Can be commanded as an action or used to describe audience response.

Examples

1. 演讲结束后，观众们热烈鼓掌。 After the speech ended, the audience applauded warmly.
2. 请大家为获奖者鼓掌！ Please give a round of applause for the award winners!
3. 他的精彩表演赢得了全场鼓掌。 His wonderful performance won applause from the entire audience.

Usage Guide

Context: performance, ceremony, meeting, speech

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 让我们为他鼓掌！(Let's give him a round of applause!)
• 观众鼓掌欢迎嘉宾。(The audience applauded to welcome the guests.)

Don't Say

• 我鼓掌你的决定 (鼓掌 means physical clapping, not metaphorical approval — use 赞同 or 支持 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 鼓 (to strike, drum) + 掌 (palm), literally meaning to strike one's palms together.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal