למחוא כפיים
limkho kapayim
To clap in Hebrew is למחוא כפיים (limkho kapayim).
The phrase is used as an intransitive verb to describe the action of striking the palms of the hands together. In Hebrew, the verb למחוא is almost always used in conjunction with the noun כפיים to express this action.
Meaning: intransitive: to strike the palms of the hands together (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb למחוא, meaning to clap or strike and the noun כפיים, meaning palms or hands.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense plural form of this verb is מחאו כפיים.
How do you pronounce it?
limkho kapayim
Did you know?
- The verb למחוא is used not only for clapping but also for 'erasing' or 'deleting' a digital file.
- The word כפיים uses the 'dual' grammatical number, a rare form specifically for pairs of body parts like eyes and ears.
- If you omit the word for 'palms' and simply say you are 'striking hands', a Hebrew speaker might imagine a physical fight or an assault rather than applause.
Examples in context
- הם התחילו למחוא כפיים.hem hitchilu limchot kapayim.They started to clap.
- הילדים אוהבים למחוא כפיים.hayeladim ohavim limchot kapayim.The children love to clap.
Example conversation
Noa and Noam are watching a concert.
- נועה Noaנועם, תראה איך כולם רוקדים!Noam, t're eich kulam rokdim!Noam, look how everyone is dancing!
- נועם Noamזה נהדר, בוא למחוא כפיים איתם.Ze nehedar, bo limchot kapayim itam.It is wonderful, come clap with them.
- נועה Noaאני אוהבת למחוא כפיים בשמחה.Ani ohevet limchot kapayim besimcha.I love to clap happily.
- נועם Noamגם אני, המוזיקה פשוט מעולה.Gam ani, hamuzika pashut meula.Me too, the music is simply excellent.
