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A2 verb #6,000 most common 12 min read

aplaudir

Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips aplaudir in 30 Seconds

Explanation aplaudir in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of 'aplaudir': to clap your hands. You will likely encounter this word in simple classroom instructions or when talking about a party. Think of it as a physical action. You might hear a teacher say 'Aplaudam!' to encourage students. At this stage, don't worry too much about complex metaphorical meanings. Just remember that it is an -ir verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'abrir' (to open). For example: 'Eu aplaudo' (I clap). It's a useful word for participating in social events like birthdays where you might 'aplaudir' after singing 'Parabéns a Você'. Focus on the present tense and the infinitive form. You can also learn the phrase 'bater palmas' as a simpler alternative that people use all the time in daily life.

At the A2 level, you are expanding your vocabulary to include more social interactions. You can now use 'aplaudir' to describe what happens at a concert, a movie, or a sports game. You should start using it with direct objects, such as 'Nós aplaudimos o show' (We applauded the show). You will also begin to see the word used in the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) to talk about events that already happened, like 'A plateia aplaudiu muito ontem' (The audience applauded a lot yesterday). This is also the stage where you learn that 'aplaudir' can mean to 'approve of' something, not just the physical act. For example, if a friend tells you a good idea, you might say 'Eu aplaudo essa ideia!' (I applaud/approve of that idea!). You're becoming more comfortable with the regular -ir conjugation patterns in both present and past.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'aplaudir' in a variety of tenses, including the Imperfect and the Future. You will also start using the Subjunctive mood: 'Espero que eles aplaudam o meu discurso' (I hope they applaud my speech). At this level, you begin to understand the nuances of register. You know that 'aplaudir' is more formal than 'bater palmas' and is used in news reports and formal speeches. You can use it metaphorically to describe supporting a cause or a political move. You are also learning common collocations like 'aplaudir de pé' (to give a standing ovation). You can describe the manner of the applause using adverbs like 'entusiasticamente' or 'calorosamente'. Your ability to use 'aplaudir' in more complex sentence structures, like those involving relative pronouns ('O artista que todos aplaudiram'), is developing.

At the B2 level, you can use 'aplaudir' with precision in professional and academic contexts. You understand its use in media discourse, where it often signifies public consensus or approval. You can discuss the cultural implications of applause, such as 'aplaudir o pôr do sol' in Brazil, and compare it with customs in other countries. You are familiar with more sophisticated synonyms like 'ovacionar' and 'aclamar' and know exactly when to use them instead of 'aplaudir'. You can use the verb in passive constructions or with reflexive pronouns for stylistic effect (though rare). You also understand how the verb functions in complex conditional sentences: 'Se o público tivesse gostado, teria aplaudido mais'. Your vocabulary is rich enough to describe different *types* of applause, from 'aplausos tímidos' (timid applause) to 'uma salva de palmas' (a round of applause).

At the C1 level, your use of 'aplaudir' is idiomatic and nuanced. You can use it in high-level discussions about art, politics, and sociology. You might use it in a literary sense or in persuasive writing to build a rapport with your audience. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how they relate to the Latin 'applaudere'. You can use the word in complex rhetorical structures, such as 'Não se trata apenas de aplaudir o resultado, mas de reconhecer o processo'. You are sensitive to the subtle differences in meaning between 'aplaudir', 'louvar', 'enaltecer', and 'congratular'. You can also detect sarcasm or irony in the way the word is used in political commentary. Your command of the verb allows you to use it effortlessly in any tense or mood, including the most obscure ones like the 'Pretérito Mais-Que-Perfeito'.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'aplaudir'. You can use it to express the finest shades of meaning in any context, from a formal academic paper to a casual conversation with a native speaker. You are aware of the word's presence in Portuguese literature and poetry. You can use it to create metaphors and analogies that are both creative and culturally resonant. You understand the regional variations in how the word is used across the Lusophone world (Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, etc.). You can participate in or lead discussions on the social function of applause in different cultures. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can even play with the word's sounds and meanings in wordplay or jokes. You know every possible collocation and idiomatic expression associated with the word.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

aplaudir in 30 Seconds

Aplaudir is a regular Portuguese verb meaning 'to applaud' or 'to clap hands' to show approval.
It is commonly used in theaters, sports, and formal events to celebrate a person or an action.
The verb can be used literally (physical clapping) or metaphorically (supporting an idea or policy).
Key phrases include 'aplaudir de pé' (standing ovation) and 'bater palmas' (a common informal alternative).

The Portuguese verb aplaudir is a versatile and essential term that primary describes the physical act of striking one's hands together to create sound as a sign of approval, appreciation, or celebration. At its most literal level, it translates directly to the English 'to applaud' or 'to clap.' However, its usage extends far beyond the concert hall or the theater. In the Lusophone world, aplaudir carries a weight of social validation. It is used to signify that an action, an idea, or a person deserves recognition. Whether you are at a football match in Lisbon, a samba performance in Rio de Janeiro, or a formal business presentation in Luanda, understanding the nuances of how and when to use this verb will help you navigate social hierarchies and emotional expressions. It is a regular third-conjugation verb (-ir), making it relatively straightforward for learners to master once they understand the pattern.

Literal Action: The most common use is the physical act of clapping hands. For example, 'A plateia começou a aplaudir assim que a cortina subiu' (The audience began to applaud as soon as the curtain rose).
Metaphorical Approval: In professional and political contexts, it means to endorse or support an initiative. 'Todos devem aplaudir a nova lei ambiental' (Everyone should applaud the new environmental law).

O público não parava de aplaudir o pianista após o concerto emocionante.

Culturally, the act of applauding can vary. In Brazil, it is quite common to aplaudir o pôr do sol (applaud the sunset) at famous spots like Arpoador in Rio, a practice that might seem unusual to those from more reserved cultures but perfectly encapsulates the expressive nature of the language. In more formal settings, aplaudir might be replaced by 'ovacionar' for a standing ovation or 'louvar' for high praise, but aplaudir remains the bedrock term. It is a verb of connection; it bridges the gap between the performer and the observer, the leader and the follower. When you use aplaudir, you are not just describing a noise; you are describing an emotional response of gratitude and agreement.

Devemos aplaudir o esforço dos jovens voluntários na comunidade.

Social Context: Used frequently in news headlines to describe public reaction to government policies or celebrity actions.

In terms of register, aplaudir is neutral. It is appropriate for children telling their parents about a school play, and equally appropriate for a journalist writing for a major newspaper like 'Público' or 'Folha de S.Paulo'. It is one of those 'safe' verbs that always sounds correct regardless of the level of formality. However, in very casual Brazilian Portuguese, people might say 'bater palma' (to hit palm) more often than the formal verb aplaudir, though the latter is never incorrect.

Eu vou aplaudir de pé quando você receber o seu diploma.

Não há nada mais gratificante para um ator do que ouvir o público aplaudir.

Usage Frequency: Very high in media, arts, and sports reporting. Medium in daily casual conversation where 'bater palmas' is a common alternative.

Ultimately, aplaudir is a verb of positive energy. It encapsulates the moment when a community comes together to say 'well done.' By learning this word, you are learning how to express one of the most fundamental human emotions: the desire to celebrate excellence in others.

Using aplaudir correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and its syntax. As an '-ir' verb, it follows the standard pattern for verbs like 'partir' or 'abrir'. In the present tense, it is: eu aplaudo, tu aplaudes, ele aplaude, nós aplaudimos, vós aplaudis, eles aplaudem. Note that in Brazil, 'vós' is virtually never used, and 'tu' is replaced by 'você' in many regions, which uses the third-person singular form 'aplaude'.

Direct Object Usage: The verb usually takes a direct object. 'Nós aplaudimos o cantor.' (We applauded the singer). You do not need 'a' or 'para' unless you are using specific prepositional structures.
Intransitive Usage: It can also stand alone. 'Ao final, todos aplaudiram.' (At the end, everyone applauded).

Se ele cantar bem, eu vou aplaudir com muito entusiasmo.

When using the verb in the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), it describes a completed action: 'Eles aplaudiram a decisão do juiz.' (They applauded the judge's decision). In the Imperfect (Pretérito Imperfeito), it describes a continuous or habitual action in the past: 'Antigamente, as pessoas aplaudiam mais nos cinemas.' (In the past, people used to applaud more in cinemas).

Ninguém queria aplaudir aquele discurso tão chato.

In the future tense, while 'aplaudirei' is grammatically correct, it is much more common in spoken Portuguese to use the compound future: 'vou aplaudir'. For example: 'Eu vou aplaudir o seu sucesso.' (I am going to applaud your success). This construction is friendlier and less stiff. Additionally, the verb is often paired with adverbs of manner to describe *how* someone is clapping. Common adverbs include 'fortemente' (strongly), 'entusiasticamente' (enthusiastically), and 'ironicamente' (ironically).

Reflexive Form?: Rarely used reflexively. You wouldn't usually say 'aplaudir-se' unless someone is literally clapping for themselves in a self-congratulatory (often sarcastic) way.

Eles aplaudiram o herói com lágrimas nos olhos.

In the subjunctive mood, which is used for desires, doubts, or hypothetical situations, the verb changes slightly: 'Espero que eles aplaudam o nosso projeto.' (I hope they applaud our project). This is a crucial distinction for B1 level learners and above. When you want to encourage someone to clap, you might use the imperative: 'Aplaudam, por favor!' (Applaud, please!).

Não podemos deixar de aplaudir tamanha coragem.

Gerund Use: In Brazil, 'estou aplaudindo'; in Portugal, 'estou a aplaudir'. Both mean 'I am applauding'.

Mastering the use of aplaudir in sentences involves more than just conjugation; it involves understanding the emotional weight behind the word. It is a verb that carries the energy of the crowd, whether that crowd is a stadium of thousands or just a single friend showing support for your hard work.

To truly master aplaudir, you must listen for it in its natural habitats. It is a staple of the media landscape. If you watch the nightly news (like 'Jornal Nacional' in Brazil or 'Telejornal' in Portugal), you will frequently hear news anchors using the verb to describe public reactions to political events or social movements. For instance, 'A população aplaudiu as novas medidas de segurança' (The population applauded the new security measures). In this context, the word is used metaphorically to mean 'approved of' or 'welcomed'.

The World of Entertainment: In talent shows like 'The Voice Portugal' or 'Ídolos', the hosts often command the audience: 'Vamos aplaudir este grande talento!' (Let's applaud this great talent!).
Sports Commentary: During a football match, a commentator might say: 'O estádio inteiro se levanta para aplaudir a saída do craque.' (The entire stadium stands up to applaud the star player's exit).

No final do espetáculo, o público começou a aplaudir freneticamente.

In everyday life, you might hear it in schools. A teacher might say to the class: 'Vamos aplaudir o colega que ganhou o prêmio.' (Let's applaud our classmate who won the prize). It is also common in religious settings or community meetings where a speaker is being introduced or thanked. The sound of the word itself, with its soft 'a' and rhythmic 'plau-dir', almost mimics the sound of a slow, deliberate clap, making it phonetically satisfying to use.

É impossível não aplaudir tamanha dedicação ao trabalho.

Social media is another place where aplaudir (and its noun form 'aplausos') is ubiquitous. You will see the clapping hands emoji 👏 accompanied by comments like 'Temos que aplaudir!' or 'Aplausos para essa iniciativa!'. In the digital age, the verb has become a shorthand for 'I agree with this post'. It is also used in business LinkedIn-style posts: 'Gostaria de aplaudir a minha equipe pelo excelente trimestre'.

Cultural Event: In Rio de Janeiro, 'aplaudir o sol' at Ipanema beach is a famous tradition that you'll hear locals and tourists talking about during the summer months.

Eu ouvi as pessoas aplaudindo da sacada durante o protesto.

O mestre de cerimônias pediu para aplaudir os noivos.

Whether you are listening to a podcast, watching a movie, or walking down a busy street in São Paulo, aplaudir is a word that signals positive social cohesion. It is a fundamental part of the auditory landscape of Portuguese-speaking cultures.

Even though aplaudir is relatively straightforward, English speakers often trip over a few specific nuances. The most common error involves preposition usage. In English, we 'clap for someone,' but in Portuguese, you generally aplaude alguém (direct object). While you *can* say 'aplaudir para alguém' in some casual contexts, it is technically less standard and can sound like a translation error from English.

Mistake: Using 'Clapar': Beginners sometimes try to 'portuguesify' the English word 'clap' into 'clapar'. This word does not exist in Portuguese. Always use aplaudir or 'bater palmas'.
Mistake: Confusing with 'Bater': If you just say 'bater' (to hit), it can be violent or confusing. You must say 'bater palmas' specifically if you aren't using aplaudir.

Errado: Eu vou aplaudir para você.
Correto: Eu vou aplaudir você.

Another frequent mistake is related to the conjugation of the 'ir' verb in the first person plural (nós). In the present tense, it is 'aplaudimos', and in the past (Pretérito Perfeito), it is also 'aplaudimos'. This can be confusing! You have to rely on context or time markers like 'ontem' (yesterday) or 'agora' (now) to know which tense is being used. For example: 'Ontem aplaudimos muito' (Yesterday we applauded a lot) vs. 'Agora aplaudimos o vencedor' (Now we applaud the winner).

Não confunda: aplaudir (to applaud) com 'atropelar' (to run over) - they sound nothing alike but students sometimes mix up long 'a' verbs!

In Brazilian Portuguese, the 'l' in aplaudir is often vocalized as a 'u' sound ([aplauˈdʒiʁ]), which can make it sound like 'apraudir' to an untrained ear. However, writing it with an 'r' is a common spelling error among native speakers with less formal education and should be avoided by learners. Always write it with an 'l'.

Register Confusion: Using aplaudir at a casual 5-year-old's birthday party might sound slightly stiff. In that specific context, 'Vamos bater palmas!' is the more natural choice for 'Let's clap/sing Happy Birthday'.

Cuidado: 'Aplaudir' é um verbo, 'aplauso' é o substantivo. Não diga 'Eu vou aplauso'.

Muitos alunos esquecem de conjugar o final: 'Eles aplaudem' (presente) vs 'Eles aplaudiram' (passado).

By paying attention to these small details—preposition use, spelling, and context—you will avoid the most common pitfalls and sound much more like a native speaker.

While aplaudir is the most common verb for clapping, Portuguese offers a rich palette of alternatives depending on the intensity and the context of the praise. Understanding these synonyms will help you elevate your vocabulary from basic to advanced.

Bater Palmas: The most common idiomatic alternative. Literally 'to hit palms'. It is used in everyday life, birthdays, and informal gatherings. 'Vamos bater palmas para o aniversariante!'
Ovacionar: A more intense version of aplaudir. It implies a standing ovation or very loud, prolonged applause. Used in theater reviews or sports news. 'O tenor foi ovacionado por dez minutos.'
Louvar: Meaning 'to praise' or 'to laud'. This is more formal and often used in religious or highly professional contexts. It focuses on the verbal or written praise rather than the physical act of clapping.

Ao invés de apenas aplaudir, o público resolveu ovacionar o mestre.

Other verbs like 'elogiar' (to compliment/praise) and 'enaltecer' (to exalt/extol) are great for when you want to 'applaud' an idea or a person's character without literally clapping. For instance, 'O chefe elogiou o meu trabalho' (The boss praised my work). If you want to describe a sarcastic clap, you might use 'aplaudir ironicamente'.

Devemos aplaudir (ou louvar) a coragem dos que lutam pela justiça.

Aclamar: Meaning 'to acclaim'. Often used when a crowd shouts their approval. 'O novo rei foi aclamado pelo povo.'

In some regions, you might hear 'viva!' or 'bravo!' shouted during applause. These aren't verbs, but they are the vocal companions to the act of aplaudir. If you want to describe the sound of clapping in a literary way, you might use 'o estrépito das palmas' (the roar of the palms/clapping).

A multidão começou a aclamar o líder, enquanto outros preferiam apenas aplaudir.

Não é necessário aplaudir se você não gostou da apresentação.

Choosing the right word allows you to convey exactly how much you appreciate something. While aplaudir is the perfect all-rounder, knowing when to 'ovacionar' or 'louvar' shows a deep command of the Portuguese language's expressive potential.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In ancient Rome, 'plaudite' was the traditional call at the end of a play for the audience to clap.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ə.plaʊˈdɪə/

US /əˈplɔːd/

The primary stress is on the last syllable: a-plau-DIR.

Rhymes With

subir partir dormir sorrir abrir sentir ferir pedir

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'l' as an English 'l' in Brazil (it should be a 'w' sound).
Skipping the 'u' sound in the middle.
Stressing the wrong syllable (don't say A-plaudir).
Confusing the 'r' at the end with an English 'r'.
Spelling it with double 'p' like in English.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'applaud'.

Writing 3/5

Watch out for the single 'p' and the '-ir' ending.

Speaking 3/5

The 'plau' diphthong can be tricky for some learners.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear in context, especially in performance settings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

mão bater bom show ouvir

Learn Next

ovacionar elogiar plateia espetáculo aclamar

Advanced

estrépito claque veneração aplaudível

Grammar to Know

Regular -ir verb conjugation

Eu abro, tu abres... Eu aplaudo, tu aplaudes.

Direct object pronouns

Eu o aplaudi (I applauded him).

Passive voice with 'ser'

Ele foi aplaudido (He was applauded).

Subjunctive mood for wishes

Espero que aplaudam (I hope they applaud).

Gerund formation

Eles estão aplaudindo (They are applauding).

Examples by Level

Eu vou aplaudir agora.

I am going to applaud now.

Simple future with 'ir' + infinitive.

As crianças aplaudem o palhaço.

The children applaud the clown.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Você gosta de aplaudir?

Do you like to applaud?

Infinitive after the verb 'gostar de'.

Aplaudam, por favor!

Applaud, please!

Imperative mood (formal/plural).

Nós aplaudimos o professor.

We applaud the teacher.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Ela não quer aplaudir.

She doesn't want to applaud.

Negative sentence with 'querer'.

Eles aplaudem muito bem.

They applaud very well.

Present tense with adverb 'bem'.

O bebê começa a aplaudir.

The baby starts to applaud.

Infinitive after 'começar a'.

Ontem, todos aplaudiram o músico.

Yesterday, everyone applauded the musician.

Pretérito Perfeito (completed past).

Eu aplaudi a sua coragem.

I applauded your courage.

Metaphorical use of the verb.

Nós vamos aplaudir de pé.

We are going to give a standing ovation.

Common phrase 'aplaudir de pé'.

O público aplaudiu o final do filme.

The audience applauded the end of the movie.

Direct object 'o final'.

Você viu as pessoas aplaudindo?

Did you see the people applauding?

Gerund 'aplaudindo' used as a participle.

Ela sempre aplaude os amigos.

She always applauds her friends.

Present tense for habitual action.

Eles não aplaudiram o discurso.

They didn't applaud the speech.

Negative past tense.

Podemos aplaudir o vencedor?

Can we applaud the winner?

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.

Se eles tocarem bem, eu os aplaudirei.

If they play well, I will applaud them.

Future tense (formal).

É importante aplaudir o esforço alheio.

It is important to applaud others' effort.

Infinitive used as a subject.

Espero que a plateia aplauda o ator.

I hope the audience applauds the actor.

Present Subjunctive after 'espero que'.

Eles estavam aplaudindo quando eu cheguei.

They were applauding when I arrived.

Past Continuous (Imperfect + Gerund).

Ninguém aplaudiu a decisão polêmica.

No one applauded the controversial decision.

Metaphorical use in a negative context.

O mestre pediu que aplaudíssemos.

The master asked that we applaud.

Imperfect Subjunctive after 'pediu que'.

Aplaudir é uma forma de gratidão.

Applauding is a form of gratitude.

Substantive use of the infinitive.

Ela teria aplaudido se estivesse lá.

She would have applauded if she had been there.

Conditional Perfect tense.

O governo foi aplaudido pelas novas reformas.

The government was applauded for the new reforms.

Passive voice construction.

A crítica aplaudiu o novo romance do autor.

The critics applauded the author's new novel.

Metaphorical use (literary praise).

Mesmo sem entender, eles aplaudiam.

Even without understanding, they used to applaud.

Imperfect tense for habitual past action.

Não há motivo para não aplaudir este avanço.

There is no reason not to applaud this advancement.

Double negative for emphasis.

O público costuma aplaudir no final dos atos.

The audience usually applauds at the end of the acts.

Verb 'costumar' + infinitive.

Aplaudir de pé tornou-se uma tradição ali.

Standing ovations became a tradition there.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive.

Quem aplaude a violência não tem razão.

Whoever applauds violence is not right.

Relative clause with 'Quem'.

Eles se aplaudiram mutuamente pelo sucesso.

They applauded each other for the success.

Reciprocal reflexive use.

A iniciativa merece ser aplaudida por todos.

The initiative deserves to be applauded by everyone.

Passive infinitive.

Raramente se vê um público aplaudir com tanto fervor.

Rarely does one see an audience applaud with such fervor.

Indeterminate subject 'se' + infinitive.

Embora o discurso fosse longo, aplaudiram-no.

Although the speech was long, they applauded him.

Concessive clause + enclitic pronoun.

O gesto foi aplaudido, conquanto tardio.

The gesture was applauded, albeit late.

Formal conjunction 'conquanto'.

Aplaudir a mediocridade é um erro social.

Applauding mediocrity is a social error.

Abstract philosophical usage.

Ao aplaudir, demonstramos nossa humanidade.

By applauding, we demonstrate our humanity.

Temporal use of 'Ao' + infinitive.

A orquestra foi aplaudida entusiasticamente.

The orchestra was enthusiastically applauded.

Passive voice with a long adverb.

Não se deve aplaudir sem antes refletir.

One should not applaud without first reflecting.

Modal 'dever' + infinitive + prepositional phrase.

A efusividade com que o aplaudiram foi notável.

The effusiveness with which they applauded him was notable.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

Subsiste a dúvida se o aplaudirão novamente.

The doubt remains whether they will applaud him again.

Inverted sentence structure.

Aplaudir-lhe-iam a audácia, se a tivessem visto.

They would have applauded his audacity, had they seen it.

Mesoclisis (very formal future conditional).

O silêncio que se seguiu foi mais eloquente do que o aplaudir.

The silence that followed was more eloquent than the applauding.

Substantive infinitive with 'o'.

Poucos ousariam aplaudir tal heresia na época.

Few would dare to applaud such heresy at the time.

Historical/literary context.

Aplaudir o óbvio é o refúgio dos tolos.

Applauding the obvious is the refuge of fools.

Aphoristic/philosophical usage.

A plateia, em uníssono, pôs-se a aplaudir.

The audience, in unison, began to applaud.

Idiomatic 'pôr-se a' + infinitive.

Não obstante as críticas, o povo continuou a aplaudir.

Notwithstanding the criticisms, the people continued to applaud.

Formal prepositional phrase 'Não obstante'.

Common Collocations

aplaudir de pé

aplaudir entusiasticamente

aplaudir freneticamente

aplaudir calorosamente

aplaudir ironicamente

aplaudir o esforço

aplaudir a iniciativa

aplaudir o vencedor

aplaudir o pôr do sol

começar a aplaudir

Common Phrases

Uma salva de palmas

— A round of applause. Often used by hosts to start clapping.

Uma salva de palmas para o nosso convidado!

Aplausos para...

— Applause for... (used to direct the audience's attention).

Aplausos para a organização do evento!

Merecer aplausos

— To deserve applause or recognition.

O seu desempenho merece aplausos.

Sob fortes aplausos

— Under loud applause (describing how someone entered or left).

O herói saiu de campo sob fortes aplausos.

Arrancar aplausos

— To draw/elicit applause from an audience.

O seu discurso arrancou aplausos da multidão.

Aplaudir com fervor

— To applaud with great passion or intensity.

Eles aplaudiam com fervor cada música.

Não cansar de aplaudir

— To not get tired of applauding (very high praise).

Eu não canso de aplaudir o seu talento.

Aplaudir de longe

— To support or approve of something from a distance.

Eu aplaudo de longe a vossa coragem.

Aplaudir a ideia

— To support a suggestion or plan.

Eu aplaudo a ideia de viajarmos juntos.

Ouvir aplausos

— To hear the sound of clapping.

Podíamos ouvir os aplausos lá de fora.

Often Confused With

aplaudir vs bater

Bater means 'to hit'. You must add 'palmas' to mean 'to clap'.

aplaudir vs atropelar

Sounds slightly similar to beginners but means 'to run over'.

aplaudir vs explodir

Means 'to explode'. The 'plodir' vs 'plaudir' can be confusing for very new learners.

Idioms & Expressions

"Aplaudir o sol"

— A specific Brazilian cultural practice of clapping at sunset, symbolizing gratitude for nature.

Fomos ao Arpoador para aplaudir o sol.

informal/cultural

"Aplaudir de pé"

— To show maximum respect; a standing ovation.

O discurso foi tão bom que o aplaudiram de pé.

neutral

"Bater palmas para louco dançar"

— To encourage someone who is doing something foolish or wrong just to see the outcome.

Não dê atenção a ele; você está apenas batendo palmas para louco dançar.

informal/idiomatic

"Aplaudir com uma mão só"

— A metaphorical expression for something impossible or a task that requires cooperation.

Não se pode aplaudir com uma mão só; precisamos de ajuda.

literary

"Chuva de aplausos"

— A massive amount of applause.

O pianista recebeu uma chuva de aplausos.

literary

"Aplauso fácil"

— Seeking cheap or easy approval from a crowd.

O político buscou o aplauso fácil com promessas vazias.

critical

"Roubar os aplausos"

— To take the credit or the spotlight from someone else.

O ator secundário acabou roubando os aplausos.

neutral

"Viver de aplausos"

— To depend on public approval or fame to survive emotionally.

Muitos artistas sofrem porque vivem de aplausos.

philosophical

"Trocar por aplausos"

— To trade something valuable for mere fame or approval.

Ele trocou a sua integridade por aplausos passageiros.

formal

"Aplaudir o óbvio"

— To praise something that is completely evident or simple.

Não precisamos aplaudir o óbvio.

critical

Easily Confused

aplaudir vs aplauso

It's the noun form.

Aplaudir is the action (verb), aplauso is the thing (noun).

Eu vou aplaudir (verb). O aplauso foi alto (noun).

aplaudir vs aproveitar

Starts with 'ap-'.

Aproveitar means 'to enjoy' or 'to take advantage of'.

Vou aproveitar o show.

aplaudir vs aplicar

Starts with 'ap-'.

Aplicar means 'to apply'.

Vou aplicar o creme.

aplaudir vs apoiar

Related meaning (to support).

Apoiar is general support; aplaudir is specifically through clapping or public praise.

Eu apoio a sua decisão.

aplaudir vs apelar

Starts with 'ap-'.

Apelar means 'to appeal'.

Vou apelar para o juiz.

Sentence Patterns

Eu [verb] [noun].

Eu aplaudo o show.

Nós [verb in past] [noun].

Nós aplaudimos o músico.

Espero que [noun] [verb in subjunctive].

Espero que todos aplaudam.

Vou [verb] de pé.

Vou aplaudir de pé.

[Noun] foi [verb in passive voice].

O ator foi aplaudido.

Ao [verb], [clause].

Ao aplaudir, ele sorriu.

Merecer ser [verb].

A ideia merece ser aplaudida.

[Verb]-lhe-iam a [noun].

Aplaudir-lhe-iam a coragem.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in arts, sports, and media; medium in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Eu aplauso o show. → Eu aplaudo o show.
You used the noun instead of the conjugated verb.
Eles applaudem muito. → Eles aplaudem muito.
Portuguese uses a single 'p' in 'aplaudir'.
Eu vou aplaudir para você. → Eu vou aplaudir você.
The verb usually takes a direct object without 'para'.
Ontem nós aplaudimos (meaning present). → Hoje nós aplaudimos.
The 'nós' form is the same for present and past; use time markers for clarity.
Eu clapo as mãos. → Eu bato palmas / Eu aplaudo.
'Clapar' is not a word in Portuguese.

Tips

Regular -ir Verb

Treat it like 'abrir' or 'partir'. If you know those, you know how to conjugate 'aplaudir'.

Noun vs Verb

Don't confuse 'aplaudir' (verb) with 'aplauso' (noun). Use 'aplaudir' for the action.

Sunset Clapping

If you're in Rio, don't be surprised if people start clapping at the beach when the sun goes down!

Stress the End

Always put the emphasis on the last syllable: aplau-DIR.

Standing Ovation

Use 'de pé' to add emphasis. 'Eles aplaudiram de pé' sounds very natural.

Single P

Remember: English has 2 P's, Portuguese has 1. A-p-l-a-u-d-i-r.

Context Clues

If you hear 'salva de palmas', get ready to 'aplaudir'!

Synonym Swap

Use 'bater palmas' in casual settings to sound more like a local.

Formal Praise

In a business meeting, use 'aplaudir a iniciativa' to show professional approval.

Root Word

Connect it to 'plaud' as in 'plausible' or 'applaud' to remember the meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A Plaudir' as 'A Loud Ear' - when people applaud, it creates a loud sound for your ears to hear.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of golden hands clapping in a dark theater under a spotlight.

Word Web

Teatro Mãos Palmas Sucesso Público Música Show Aprovação

Challenge

Try to use 'aplaudir' in three different tenses today: present, past, and future.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'applaudere', which is composed of 'ad-' (to/towards) and 'plaudere' (to clap or strike).

Original meaning: To strike the hands together in approval.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

Be aware that in some very formal or religious ceremonies, applause might be considered inappropriate. Always follow the lead of the locals.

In English-speaking countries, applause is often more reserved than in Brazil but similar to Portugal's formal settings.

The song 'Aplausos' by various Fado artists. The tradition of 'aplaudir o sol' in Rio. Historical 'claqueurs' in theaters who were paid to applaud.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Theater/Concert

Aplaudir o artista
Pedir bis
Uma salva de palmas
Aplaudir de pé

Sports

Aplaudir o gol
Aplaudir a equipe
O estádio aplaudiu
Vaia e aplauso

Politics/Business

Aplaudir a medida
Aplaudir o discurso
Aprovação geral
Merecer aplausos

Social Events

Aplaudir o aniversariante
Bater palmas
Bravo!
Viva!

Nature (Brazil)

Aplaudir o sol
Pôr do sol
Arpoador
Ritual

Conversation Starters

"Você costuma aplaudir no final de um filme no cinema?"

"Qual foi o show mais aplaudido que você já viu?"

"Você acha que devemos aplaudir o pôr do sol?"

"Quando foi a última vez que você aplaudiu de pé?"

"É comum aplaudir professores no seu país?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que você sentiu vontade de aplaudir alguém espontaneamente.

Escreva sobre a importância do reconhecimento e por que as pessoas gostam de ser aplaudidas.

Você prefere ser aplaudido em público ou receber um elogio em particular? Por quê?

Descreva a sensação de estar em uma plateia que começa a aplaudir de pé.

Se você pudesse aplaudir uma mudança no mundo hoje, qual seria?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a regular -ir verb: eu aplaudo, tu aplaudes, ele/você aplaude, nós aplaudimos, vós aplaudis, eles/vocês aplaudem.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries, though 'bater palmas' is a very common informal alternative in Brazil.

No, it can be used metaphorically to mean 'to approve' or 'to support' an idea, policy, or action without literal clapping.

In the Pretérito Perfeito: eu aplaudi, tu aplaudiste, ele aplaudiu, nós aplaudimos, vós aplaudistes, eles aplaudiram.

The most common way is to say 'aplaudir de pé' or 'ovação de pé'.

It is better to say 'aplaudir alguém' (direct object), although 'para' is sometimes heard in very casual speech.

No, in Portuguese it is spelled with only one 'p': aplaudir.

It refers to a cultural tradition in Rio de Janeiro where people clap when the sun sets at the beach.

It is neutral. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, though 'bater palmas' is more common in casual contexts.

Ovacionar is much more intense and formal, usually implying a very loud or standing ovation.