鼓掌

You usually use it as a verb. You can say 大家鼓掌 (everyone clap) to get a crowd going. It is often paired with the verb 为 (wèi) to say who you are clapping for. For example, 为他鼓掌 means 'clap for him.' In spoken Chinese, people often repeat the first word to make it sound softer: 鼓鼓掌 (gǔ gǔzhǎng).

Use it whenever someone finishes a speech or a song. It is perfect for weddings, business presentations, or school plays. If your friend tells a really great joke, you can jokingly say 我要为你鼓掌 (I should clap for you). It works in almost any situation where someone deserves a 'good job.'

Don't use it in solemn or sad situations, like funerals. Also, avoid using it if someone makes a mistake, unless you are being extremely sarcastic. In very intimate settings, like a quiet dinner for two, a loud 鼓掌 might feel a bit too much like a press conference. Stick to a smile there instead.

In China, clapping is a huge part of social etiquette. At the start of a meeting, the host might clap to welcome guests, and the guests often clap back. It is a mutual sign of respect. Sometimes, you will see older people in parks clapping their hands rhythmically. They aren't applauding; they believe hitting palms stimulates acupressure points for health!

In formal settings, you will hear 热烈鼓掌 (rèliè gǔzhǎng), which means 'clapping enthusiastically.' On the internet, people use the 'clapping' emoji or the slang 666 to show admiration. If you want to say 'a round of applause,' use the phrase 一阵掌声 (yí zhèn zhǎngshēng).