palakpak
/palakˈpak/
To clap in Filipino is to say palakpak.
The term refers to the act of striking the palms of the hands together. Ang palakpakan ay isang paraan ng pagpapahayag ng tuwa o pag-apruba sa isang bagay.
Meaning: intransitive: to strike the palms of the hands together (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
While palakpak is the root, different forms change based on how you use the verb. Use pumalakpak to express the general action of clapping, and magpalakpak to express the act of clapping one's hands, which is common in commands or instructions. If you want to describe someone who is currently in the middle of the action, use the progressive form nagpapalakpak. You can also use the form palakpakan when directing applause toward a specific person, such as in the phrase palakpakan ang bida (clap for the star).
How do you pronounce it?
/palakˈpak/
Did you know?
- The term palakpak is conceptually linked to the word pakpak, which means 'wing', suggesting a connection between human applause and the flapping of birds.
- The word palakpak contains a 'fossilized' piece of grammar, the infix '-al-', which is a permanent part of the word's structure and cannot be removed.
- The structure of palakpak likely shares ancient linguistic patterns with Malay, specifically through the use of the '-el-' infix.
Examples in context
- Sa dulo ng programa, nagpalakpakan ang mga manonood.At the end of the program, the audience applauded.
- Sinimulan ng mga guro ang palakpakan bilang pagkilala sa mga nagwagi.The teachers started the applause as a recognition for the winners.
Example conversation
Patricia and Ricardo are watching a talent show.
- PatriciaGaling niya! Palakpak tayo, Ricardo!He's so good! Let's clap, Ricardo!
- RicardoOo, talagang kahanga-hanga siya.Yes, he is truly impressive.
- PatriciaBakit hindi ka pumalakpak?Why aren't you clapping?
- RicardoNakalimutan ko lang.I just forgot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry palakpak, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries palakpak, CC BY-SA 4.0.
