paak3 sau2 zoeng2拍手掌
Jyutpingpaak3 sau2 zoeng2
Yalepaak sáu jéung
Definition
To clap; to applaud.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
While 拍手 is perfectly acceptable and common, adding 掌 makes the action more explicit and emphatic. This full form is frequently heard in formal settings like performances or speeches, whereas 拍手 is more versatile for casual situations. Using the full three-character phrase adds a sense of rhythm and completeness to the action.
Examples
Let's all clap to encourage him.
Why did you suddenly start clapping?
Related words
Common phrases
to clap enthusiastically
to clap and cheer
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
