掌声

• Pinyin: zhǎng shēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 掌 = 尚 (high) + 手 (hand); 声 = simplified form of 聲 (sound)

Meaning

Applause; the sound of clapping hands to show approval or appreciation.

Refers to the collective sound of an audience clapping their hands. Often used in formal settings like performances, speeches, and ceremonies. Can be modified by adjectives like 热烈 (warm/enthusiastic), 雷鸣般 (thunderous), etc.

Examples

1. 演讲结束后，全场响起了雷鸣般的掌声。 After the speech ended, thunderous applause erupted throughout the venue.
2. 观众用持续不断的掌声表达对演员精彩表演的认可。 The audience expressed their appreciation for the actors' brilliant performance with continuous applause.
3. 让我们用热烈的掌声欢迎今天的嘉宾。 Let's welcome today's guests with warm applause.

Usage Guide

Context: performances, speeches, ceremonies

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 请大家把掌声送给获奖者。(Please give your applause to the winners.)
• 他的演讲赢得了经久不息的掌声。(His speech won sustained applause.)

Don't Say

• 我听到了一个掌声。(Use 一阵掌声 or 一片掌声, not 一个 — 掌声 is uncountable)

Origin & History

Compound of 掌 (palm) and 声 (sound). Literally 'the sound of palms', referring to the act of clapping hands together.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal