박수
baksu[pa̠ks͈u]
In Korean, 'clap' is expressed as 박수 (baksu).
박수 refers to the act of striking the palms of the hands together. To describe enthusiastic or loud applause, such as during a performance or in a formal setting, the term 박수갈채 is used.
Meaning: intransitive: to strike the palms of the hands together (verb)
Which one should you use?
The term 짝짝 is an onomatopoeic expression used to represent the actual sound of the hands clapping.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 박수 is typically used with the verb 치다 (to strike/hit) to form the verb phrase 박수를 치다. In many contexts, these two words are combined into a single compound verb: 박수치다.
How do you pronounce it?
baksu
Did you know?
- The word 박수 is a doublet of 박사, which means 'doctor' or 'Ph.D.'.
- In some traditional Korean contexts, rhythmic clapping was used not just for applause but as a ritual tool to communicate with spirits.
Examples in context
- 박수 치다To clap, to applaudThis sentence shows how to use 박수 to mean 'to clap' or 'to applaud'.
- 이제 박수를 칩시다.Let's clap now.
- 박수로 기리다.To honor with applause.
- 아이들이 신나서 박수를 쳐요.a-i-deul-i sin-na-seo bak-su-reul chyeo-yo.The children are clapping excitedly.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are watching a street performance.
- 지훈 Ji-hun와, 정말 멋진 공연이에요!wa, jeongmal meotjin gongyeonieyo!Wow, it's a really great performance!
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요. 우리 박수 쳐요!majayo. uri baksu chyeoyo!I agree. Let's clap!
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋아요, 크게 박수 쳐 주세요.joayo, keuge baksu chyeo juseyo.Okay, please clap loudly.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 최고예요!jeongmal choegoyeyo!It's truly the best!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 박수, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 박수, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
