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March 24, 2026
鼓掌gǔzhǎng(gu3zhang3)
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.
Frequency#3681DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, applause is often a communal activity that fosters a sense of togetherness, especially during celebrations or public performances. It's common for audiences to clap enthusiastically to show support for performers.
Memory Tip
Think of a drum (鼓, gǔ) being struck to create sound, and when you clap (掌, zhǎng), it's like you're joining in the rhythm. Imagine a crowd rhythmically clapping along with the beat of a drum, celebrating a performance.
Meanings of 鼓掌
gǔzhǎng(gu3zhang3)
1to applaud
2to clap
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 鼓掌
鼓掌Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3681Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 鼓掌
Podcast: 鼓掌
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AI Study Notes for 鼓掌
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of a drum (鼓, gǔ) being struck to create sound, and when you clap (掌, zhǎng), it's like you're joining in the rhythm. Imagine a crowd rhythmically clapping along with the beat of a drum, celebrating a performance.
Usage Notes
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).
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, applause is often a communal activity that fosters a sense of togetherness, especially during celebrations or public performances. It's common for audiences to clap enthusiastically to show support for performers.
Common Mistakes
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'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鼓掌
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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.
Exercise 1 of 4
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)
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1
我不断听到隐约的鼓掌声。
wǒ bù duàn tīng dào yǐn yuē de gǔ zhǎng shēng。
I kept hearing the sound of applause in the background.
When I walked in, they all stood up and started clapping.
6
龙骑兵军官和福克发疯似地鼓掌.
lóng qí bīng jūn guān hé fú kè fā fēng sì dì gǔ zhǎng.
The dragoon officers and Foker clapped their hands furiously.
Cultural Notes for 鼓掌
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, applause is often a communal activity that fosters a sense of togetherness, especially during celebrations or public performances. It's common for audiences to clap enthusiastically to show support for performers.
Frequently Asked Questions about 鼓掌
Yes, 鼓掌 is appropriate for both settings, though the intensity may vary.
While it primarily refers to clapping, it can also imply giving praise or support in a broader context.
'Give a round of applause' can be translated as '鼓掌一下'.
