拍手
hakushu[ha̠kɯ̟̊ɕɨ]
The English word "clap" translates to Japanese as 拍手 (hakushu).
The primary way to express the act of striking the palms of the hands together is 拍手. For a more literal description of the action, you can use 手をたたく. If you want to refer to enthusiastic or celebratory applause, the term 喝采 is used. You may also see the phrase 称賛の拍手, which combines the concept of praise with clapping. The four-character idiom 拍手喝采 describes receiving thunderous applause.
Meaning: intransitive: to strike the palms of the hands together (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 拍手 is composed of the characters for 'strike/beat' (拍) and 'hand' (手).
Which one should you use?
While 拍手 refers to the act of applauding, 手拍子 refers specifically to rhythmic handclapping, often used to keep time or accompany a song.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
hakushu
When do people say it?
In Japanese religious contexts, such as at a Shinto shrine, the act of clapping hands (拍手) is a ritualized part of prayer.
Did you know?
- Performing 拍手 at a Shinto shrine is not meant to show approval but to wake up or alert the deity to the visitor's presence.
- In traditional Japanese theater like Kabuki, specialized members of the audience shout rhythmic praises called 'kakegoe' to accompany the 拍手 of the crowd.
- The expression 手拍子を合わせる means to synchronize clapping, but it is frequently used as a metaphor for two people getting into agreement.
Examples in context
- 拍手をお願いします。Please clap.This sentence is useful for requesting that someone clap using 拍手.Tatoeba #10801949 by small_snow, translation #8154862 by shekitten
- 拍手してください。(はくしゅしてください。)Please clap your hands.
- 集まった観客たちは大きな拍手を送った。(あつまったかんきゃくたちはおおきなはくしゅをおくった。)The gathered audience gave a big round of applause.
- パチパチと手を叩きながら、彼らは喜びを分かち合った。(ぱちぱちとてをたたきながら、かれらはよろこびをわかちあった。)They shared their joy while clapping their hands.
- 劇の終わりに、お客さんはパチパチと拍手した。(げきのおわりに、おきゃくさんはぱちぱちとはくしゅした。)At the end of the play, the audience clapped.
- 素晴らしい演奏に拍手をする。subarashii ensou ni hakushu o suru.I clap for the wonderful performance.
Example conversation
At a concert hall after a performance.
- 陽葵 Himari今の演奏、本当に素晴らしかったですね。ima no ensou, hontou ni subarashikatta desu ne.That performance was truly wonderful, wasn't it?
- 健太 Kentaはい、思わず拍手が出てしまいました。hai, omowazu hakushu ga dete shimaimashita.Yes, I couldn't help but clap.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんも感動していましたね。kenta-san mo kandou shite imashita ne.You were moved too, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaええ、最高のステージでした。ee, saikou no suteeji deshita.Yes, it was the best stage.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 拍手, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
