This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A2 verb 11 min read

鼓掌

guzhang
Examples
Explanation 鼓掌 in your Level:
At the absolute beginner (A1) level, learners are introduced to the most basic actions and classroom commands. While 鼓掌 might seem slightly complex because it is a two-character word, it is often introduced early via the teacher's instructions. A teacher might say '大家鼓掌' (Everyone clap) when a student does a good job. At this stage, the focus is strictly on recognizing the sound 'gǔ zhǎng' and associating it with the physical action of clapping hands. Learners at A1 do not need to worry about the complex grammar of separable verbs; they simply learn it as a set phrase. They might also learn the simpler alternative '拍手' (pāi shǒu) through children's songs or basic vocabulary lists. The goal here is comprehension and basic physical response. When the host says '鼓掌', the A1 learner knows to clap their hands.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the A2 level, learners begin to construct more complex sentences and are introduced to the concept of separable verbs (离合词). This is where 鼓掌 becomes a crucial teaching tool. Learners must understand that they cannot say '鼓掌他' (applaud him). Instead, they learn the essential A2 grammatical structure '为...鼓掌' (wèi... gǔ zhǎng) meaning 'to applaud for...'. They learn to say sentences like '我们为他鼓掌' (We applaud for him). They also learn to add adverbs like 热烈 (rè liè - warmly) to form '热烈鼓掌'. At this stage, learners can use the word in various everyday contexts, such as describing a concert they attended or a meeting at work. They understand the cultural context that clapping is a sign of respect and approval in Chinese society.
At the B1 level, learners are expected to narrate events and describe experiences in detail. The usage of 鼓掌 expands to include more complex grammatical insertions. B1 learners will confidently separate the verb to include aspect particles and duration markers. They will say '大家鼓了五分钟的掌' (Everyone applauded for five minutes) or '观众们鼓起掌来' (The audience started to applaud). They also learn to use it in passive or descriptive structures, such as '演讲以热烈的鼓掌结束' (The speech ended with enthusiastic applause). At this intermediate level, learners can express nuances of emotion associated with the applause, describing it as polite, enthusiastic, or sparse, thus adding color to their storytelling.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 level, learners encounter 鼓掌 in more formal and abstract contexts. They read news articles and watch broadcasts where the word is used to describe public reaction to political speeches or corporate announcements. They understand metaphorical uses, such as '为这个决定鼓掌' (applauding this decision), meaning to strongly agree with or support a policy. B2 learners can also use rhetorical devices and idiomatic expressions related to applause. They are comfortable with the formal register and can seamlessly switch between colloquial '拍手' and formal '鼓掌' depending on the audience. Their understanding of the separable verb structure is fully internalized, allowing for complex, spontaneous sentence creation.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the advanced C1 level, the word 鼓掌 is used effortlessly in both literal and highly figurative senses. Learners can engage in deep discussions about the cultural sociology of applause in China—for example, the synchronized clapping at the National People's Congress. They understand subtle literary uses and can manipulate the separable verb structure with advanced vocabulary, such as '为新时代的到来而欢呼鼓掌' (cheering and applauding for the arrival of the new era). C1 learners can write eloquent essays incorporating the word to describe societal approval or the success of a theatrical masterpiece, using a rich variety of collocations and synonyms like 喝彩, 赞叹, and 颂扬.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the mastery C2 level, the learner's use of 鼓掌 is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They appreciate the historical etymology of 鼓 (drum) and 掌 (palm) and how this reflects ancient Chinese performance culture. They can use the word in poetry, rhetorical speeches, or complex academic writing. They understand the micro-nuances of tone—when applause is sarcastic, obligatory, or genuinely thunderous—and can describe these subtleties using sophisticated Chinese phrasing. At this level, 鼓掌 is not just a vocabulary word; it is a cultural artifact that the learner wields with complete linguistic precision.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples
The Chinese word 鼓掌 (gǔ zhǎng) is an essential vocabulary item for learners at the A2 level, translating directly to the English concepts of 'applause' or 'to applaud'. To truly understand this word, we must break down its constituent characters. The first character, 鼓 (gǔ), traditionally means 'drum' or 'to beat/strike'. The second character, 掌 (zhǎng), refers to the 'palm of the hand'. When combined, the literal translation is 'to strike the palms together', which perfectly describes the physical action of clapping. In Chinese culture, just as in Western cultures, applauding is the universal sign of approval, appreciation, and celebration. You will encounter this word in a multitude of situations, ranging from formal business meetings and academic lectures to casual gatherings like karaoke (KTV) nights with friends. Understanding when and how to use 鼓掌 requires an appreciation of its social function. In formal Chinese settings, such as political assemblies or corporate banquets, applause is often synchronized and highly structured. The host or speaker might invite the audience to applaud, and the audience responds with enthusiastic, rhythmic clapping. When people use this word, they are not just describing a physical action; they are indicating a transfer of positive energy and respect from the collective group to an individual or a performance.
Literal Meaning
To beat (鼓) the palms (掌).

观众们开始热烈地鼓掌。

Furthermore, the word is often paired with adverbs to describe the intensity of the clapping. For instance, '热烈鼓掌' (rè liè gǔ zhǎng) means 'to applaud enthusiastically' or 'warm applause'. This is a very common collocation in news broadcasts and formal writing.
Social Context
Used in both formal ceremonies and informal celebrations to show approval.

请大家为他鼓掌。

It is also important to note the emotional weight of the word. While '拍手' (pāi shǒu) also means to clap hands, 鼓掌 carries a slightly more formal or respectful connotation. You might tell a toddler to '拍手' when they are happy, but you would ask an audience to '鼓掌' after a magnificent piano concerto.

演出结束后，全场起立鼓掌。

The act of applauding is universally understood, making this word highly practical for learners. Whether you are attending a Chinese wedding, watching a street performance, or participating in a language class, knowing how to say and understand 鼓掌 will allow you to participate fully in the social dynamic.
Metaphorical Use
Can also mean to mentally or verbally applaud a good decision or action.

我们为这个伟大的决定鼓掌。

In modern digital contexts, the clapping hands emoji is often used alongside the word 鼓掌 in text messages and social media posts to show support or agreement with someone's statement.

大家纷纷在评论区留言鼓掌。

To summarize, 鼓掌 is a highly frequent, culturally significant, and practically useful word that goes beyond mere physical clapping to encompass respect, encouragement, and communal celebration in the Chinese-speaking world.
Mastering the grammatical usage of 鼓掌 is a critical milestone for A2 learners because it introduces a unique feature of Chinese grammar: the separable verb, or 离合词 (lí hé cí). A separable verb is a verb-object compound that functions as a single verb but can be separated to allow other words to be inserted between the two characters. Because 鼓 (to beat) is the verb and 掌 (palm) is the object, the word 鼓掌 cannot take another object directly. This is the most important rule to remember. You cannot say '鼓掌他' (applaud him). Instead, you must use a prepositional phrase before the verb to indicate who is receiving the applause. The most common prepositions used for this purpose are 为 (wèi) and 给 (gěi).
Grammar Rule 1
Use '为 + person + 鼓掌' to mean 'applaud for someone'.

我们一起为他鼓掌。

For example, '为他鼓掌' (wèi tā gǔ zhǎng) translates to 'applaud for him'. Another common structure is '给 + person + 鼓掌' (gěi tā gǔ zhǎng), which has the same meaning but is slightly more colloquial.

学生们给老师鼓掌。

Because 鼓掌 is a separable verb, you can insert aspect particles like 了 (le), 着 (zhe), and 过 (guo) directly between 鼓 and 掌. For instance, to say 'applauded', you would say '鼓了掌' (gǔ le zhǎng).
Grammar Rule 2
Insert aspect particles between the two characters: 鼓 + 了/着/过 + 掌.

听完演讲，大家都鼓起掌来。

You can also insert measure words to indicate the duration or frequency of the applause. '鼓了一次掌' (gǔ le yí cì zhǎng) means 'applauded once'. To express the beginning of the action, Chinese often uses the directional complement 起来 (qǐ lái). When used with a separable verb, the object goes between 起 and 来. Therefore, 'started to applaud' becomes '鼓起掌来' (gǔ qǐ zhǎng lái).

台下立刻鼓起掌来。

Adverbs describing the applause, such as 热烈 (rè liè - warmly/enthusiastically) or 拼命 (pīn mìng - desperately/with all one's might), are placed before the verb. '热烈鼓掌' (rè liè gǔ zhǎng) is the standard way to say 'applaud enthusiastically'.
Grammar Rule 3
Adverbs precede the entire verb compound: 热烈 + 鼓掌.

大家热烈鼓掌欢迎新同学。

By mastering these structural rules—using prepositions for the receiver, separating the characters for particles, and placing adverbs correctly—you will sound much more natural and fluent when using 鼓掌 in everyday Chinese conversations.
The word 鼓掌 is ubiquitous in Chinese daily life, appearing in a wide variety of social, professional, and entertainment contexts. Because it represents a universal human action, you will hear it frequently in both spoken communication and media broadcasts. One of the most common places you will hear this word is during performances. Whether it is a grand concert at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing or a small street performance in a local park, the phrase '请大家鼓掌' (qǐng dà jiā gǔ zhǎng - please applaud) is a standard call to action by hosts and performers.
Context 1: Performances
Hosts and MCs frequently ask the audience to applaud for performers or speakers.

请大家用最热烈的声音鼓掌！

In the corporate world, 鼓掌 is a staple of business meetings and company annual galas (年会). When a manager announces good news, such as a successful project or a bonus, employees are expected to applaud. You will often hear a leader say, '让我们为团队的努力鼓掌' (ràng wǒ men wèi tuán duì de nǔ lì gǔ zhǎng - let us applaud the team's effort).

老板讲完话后，全场热烈鼓掌。

Schools and educational settings are another primary environment for this word. Teachers use it to encourage students. If a student answers a difficult question correctly, the teacher might say to the class, '大家给他鼓鼓掌' (dà jiā gěi tā gǔ gu zhǎng - everyone give him some applause). This repetition of the first character (鼓鼓掌) is a common way to soften the tone and make the request sound more casual and encouraging.
Context 2: Education
Teachers use applause to praise students and build a positive classroom environment.

老师让同学们为第一名鼓掌。

You will also hear 鼓掌 in informal, social settings like KTV (karaoke). When a friend finishes singing a song, even if they sang it terribly, it is customary to applaud and cheer. Someone might shout '鼓掌！' as a standalone exclamation to prompt everyone in the room to clap.

他唱完歌，朋友们都在鼓掌。

Finally, in the media, news anchors and journalists frequently use the phrase '赢得阵阵掌声' (yín de zhèn zhèn zhǎng shēng - won waves of applause) or describe crowds who '欢呼鼓掌' (huān hū gǔ zhǎng - cheer and applaud). By familiarizing yourself with these contexts, you will quickly realize how indispensable the word 鼓掌 is for navigating Chinese social interactions.
Context 3: Media
Used in news reports to describe public approval and crowd reactions.

精彩的表演让观众不断鼓掌。

When learning the word 鼓掌, English speakers frequently make a few specific grammatical and contextual errors. These mistakes almost always stem from direct translation from English to Chinese. The most notorious and common mistake is treating 鼓掌 as a standard transitive verb. In English, you can say 'I applaud him' or 'We clapped the performance'. Because of this, learners often say '我鼓掌他' (wǒ gǔ zhǎng tā) or '我们鼓掌表演' (wǒ men gǔ zhǎng biǎo yǎn). This is grammatically incorrect in Chinese.
Mistake 1: Transitive Use
Adding an object directly after 鼓掌. Incorrect: 鼓掌他. Correct: 为他鼓掌.

错误：我鼓掌他。正确：我为他鼓掌。

As mentioned in the grammar section, 鼓掌 is a separable verb (离合词). The character 掌 (palm) is already the object of the verb 鼓 (to beat). Therefore, the verb is already 'full' and cannot take another object. You must use the preposition 为 (wèi) or 给 (gěi) before the verb. Another frequent mistake involves the incorrect placement of aspect particles like 了 (le). Learners often say '鼓掌了' (gǔ zhǎng le) to mean 'applauded'. While this is sometimes acceptable at the end of a sentence to indicate a change of state, the strictly correct grammatical form for expressing completed action is to place the '了' inside the separable verb: '鼓了掌' (gǔ le zhǎng).

大家热情地鼓了十分钟的掌。

Mistake 2: Particle Placement
Placing duration or aspect markers after the entire word instead of splitting it.
A third mistake is confusing 鼓掌 with its noun counterpart, 掌声 (zhǎng shēng - applause/sound of clapping). While 鼓掌 is the action (verb), 掌声 is the sound produced. You cannot say '给我你的鼓掌' (give me your applaud). You must say '给我你的掌声' (give me your applause).

我们需要你们的掌声，请大家鼓掌！

Mistake 3: Noun vs Verb
Using 鼓掌 when the noun 掌声 (applause) is required.

场内响起了热烈的掌声，大家都在鼓掌。

Finally, learners sometimes use 鼓掌 when they mean 'to praise' verbally. While applause is a form of praise, 鼓掌 strictly refers to the physical act of clapping. If you want to say 'I applaud your courage' metaphorically, it is better to use a word like 赞赏 (zàn shǎng - to appreciate/admire) rather than 鼓掌, unless you are speaking highly figuratively. By avoiding these common pitfalls, your Chinese will sound much more authentic and structurally sound.
In Chinese, there are several words related to clapping, cheering, and praising. Understanding the nuances between these similar words will greatly enrich your vocabulary and help you express yourself more precisely. The most direct synonym for 鼓掌 is 拍手 (pāi shǒu). Both words mean 'to clap hands'. However, there is a distinct difference in register and context. 拍手 is more colloquial, literal, and often used with children. For example, a popular children's song goes '如果感到幸福你就拍拍手' (If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands). You would rarely use 鼓掌 in a child's song, as it sounds too formal. Conversely, you would not ask an audience at a formal gala to '拍手'; you would ask them to '鼓掌'.
Alternative 1: 拍手 (pāi shǒu)
To clap hands. More casual, literal, and often used with children.

比起拍手，在正式场合我们更常用鼓掌。

Another related word is 喝彩 (hè cǎi), which means 'to cheer' or 'to acclaim'. While 鼓掌 refers specifically to the action of the hands, 喝彩 refers to vocal cheering, often accompanied by applause. You might hear '齐声喝彩' (cheer in unison) at a sports event.
Alternative 2: 喝彩 (hè cǎi)
To cheer vocally. Often used alongside applause at exciting events.

观众们不仅鼓掌，还大声喝彩。

If you want to express the metaphorical meaning of 'applaud', such as 'I applaud your decision', the word 赞赏 (zàn shǎng - to appreciate/admire) is a highly appropriate alternative. It conveys deep respect and approval without the literal implication of hitting your hands together.

我非常赞赏你的勇气，大家都为你鼓掌。

Alternative 3: 赞赏 (zàn shǎng)
To admire or appreciate. Used for metaphorical applause or deep approval.
We must also mention the noun form, 掌声 (zhǎng shēng), which means 'applause'. As discussed in the common mistakes section, it is vital to distinguish between the verb 鼓掌 and the noun 掌声. A host will say '请把掌声送给他' (Please give your applause to him), which prompts the audience to 鼓掌.

在雷鸣般的掌声中，我们继续鼓掌。

Finally, the word 欢呼 (huān hū - to cheer joyfully) is used for large crowds expressing extreme happiness, such as on New Year's Eve. While 鼓掌 is structured and rhythmic, 欢呼 is wild and vocal. By knowing these alternatives—拍手 for kids, 喝彩 and 欢呼 for vocal cheers, 赞赏 for metaphorical praise, and 掌声 for the noun—you can use 鼓掌 with pinpoint accuracy.
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

大家鼓掌。

Everyone clap.

Basic subject + verb structure.

2

请鼓掌。

Please applaud.

Imperative sentence with 请.

3

我也鼓掌。

I also clap.

Use of adverb 也 (also).

4

不要鼓掌。

Do not applaud.

Negative imperative with 不要.

5

他们鼓掌了。

They applauded.

Completed action with 了.

6

老师鼓掌。

The teacher claps.

Noun + verb.

7

我们一起鼓掌。

We clap together.

Use of 一起 (together).

8

好，鼓掌！

Good, applause!

Exclamatory phrase.

1

我们为他鼓掌。

We applaud for him.

Use of 为 + person.

2

大家热烈鼓掌。

Everyone applauds enthusiastically.

Adverb 热烈 modifying the verb.

3

请大家为表演者鼓掌。

Please everyone applaud for the performers.

Formal request structure.

4

他一唱歌，我们就鼓掌。

As soon as he sings, we applaud.

一...就... structure.

5

同学们给老师鼓掌。

The classmates applaud for the teacher.

Use of 给 + person.

6

你看，他们在鼓掌。

Look, they are applauding.

Continuous action with 在.

7

我喜欢听大家鼓掌。

I like hearing everyone applaud.

Verb taking a clause as an object.

8

电影结束时，大家开始鼓掌。

When the movie ended, everyone started to applaud.

Time clause with 的时候/时.

1

观众们激动地鼓起掌来。

The audience excitedly started to applaud.

Separable verb with 起来.

2

我们鼓了五分钟的掌。

We applauded for five minutes.

Duration inserted into the separable verb.

3

虽然表演有失误，大家还是为他鼓掌。

Although the performance had mistakes, everyone still applauded for him.

虽然...但是/还是... structure.

4

校长讲完话后，台下响起了热烈的鼓掌声。

After the principal finished speaking, enthusiastic sounds of applause rang out from the audience.

Using 鼓掌 as a modifier for 声.

5

请不要在别人讲话的时候鼓掌。

Please do not applaud while someone else is speaking.

Negative command with time clause.

6

他不仅没有生气，反而为大家鼓掌。

Not only was he not angry, but he instead applauded for everyone.

不仅...反而... structure.

7

这是我听过的最值得鼓掌的演讲。

This is the most applause-worthy speech I have ever heard.

值得 (worth) + verb.

8

我们应该为每一个努力的人鼓掌。

We should applaud for every person who works hard.

应该 + 为 + noun phrase + 鼓掌.

1

他的精彩发言赢得了全场起立鼓掌。

His brilliant speech won a standing ovation from the entire audience.

起立鼓掌 (standing ovation) as a set phrase.

2

我们不仅要为成功者鼓掌，也要为失败者加油。

We must not only applaud the successful, but also cheer on the defeated.

Parallel structure with 不仅要...也要...

3

面对如此感人的英雄事迹，人们自发地鼓起掌来。

Facing such touching heroic deeds, people spontaneously started to applaud.

Adverb 自发地 (spontaneously).

4

这项新政策一出台，立刻引来了民众的欢呼与鼓掌。

As soon as this new policy was introduced, it immediately drew cheers and applause from the public.

Noun usage in a formal context.

5

作为观众，适时地鼓掌是对表演者最基本的尊重。

As an audience member, applauding at the appropriate time is the most basic respect for the performer.

作为 (as) + noun.

6

即使在最困难的时刻，他也懂得为自己鼓掌。

Even in the most difficult moments, he knows how to applaud for himself.

即使...也... (even if... still...).

7

会议在热烈的鼓掌声中圆满结束。

The meeting concluded successfully amidst enthusiastic applause.

Formal closing statement.

8

不要吝啬你的赞美，该鼓掌时就大声鼓掌。

Don't be stingy with your praise; when it's time to applaud, applaud loudly.

该...时就... (when it's time to... then...).

1

这部纪录片深刻揭示了人性的光辉，令人不禁为之鼓掌。

This documentary profoundly reveals the brilliance of human nature, making one unable to help but applaud it.

不禁为之 (cannot help but... for it).

2

与其在台下嫉妒别人的成就，不如真诚地为他们鼓掌。

Rather than being jealous of others' achievements offstage, it is better to sincerely applaud for them.

与其...不如... (rather than... it is better to...).

3

社会各界对这项旨在保护环境的法案报以热烈的鼓掌。

All sectors of society responded to this bill aimed at protecting the environment with enthusiastic applause.

报以 (respond with).

4

在历史的长河中，那些敢于打破常规的先驱者永远值得后人鼓掌致敬。

In the long river of history, those pioneers who dared to break the mold will always be worthy of later generations' applause and respect.

鼓掌致敬 (applaud to pay respects).

5

他那番慷慨激昂的陈词，不仅驳倒了对手，更赢得了满堂喝彩与鼓掌。

His impassioned statement not only refuted his opponent but also won the cheers and applause of the entire hal

Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

拍手する Japanese applaud English
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!