Translation guide
The English word 'clap' can refer to the action of striking hands together, applauding, or a sudden loud sound. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
Let's give him a round of applause for his speech.
Literally 'to strike hands'. More casual and physical than 拍手する. Can also mean clapping to get attention or in rhythm.
子供たちは手を叩いて喜んだ。
The children clapped their hands in delight.
A slightly more formal phrase meaning 'to give applause'. Often used in written or polite speech.
素晴らしい演奏に拍手を送りました。
We gave applause to the wonderful performance.
The physical action of bringing hands together, often to make a sound, for various purposes like getting attention, keeping rhythm, or in games.
The most direct and common way to say 'clap hands' as a physical action. Can be used for applause, but also for other contexts.
手を叩いてリズムを取る。
Clap hands to keep the rhythm.
先生が手を叩いて注意を引いた。
The teacher clapped her hands to get attention.
Noun meaning 'hand clapping' or 'applause'. Often used in compound verbs like 拍手する.
Describing a sharp, explosive sound, such as thunder or a door slamming.
A loud roaring or booming sound. Often used for thunder, explosions, or heavy machinery.
雷の轟音が響いた。
A clap of thunder resounded.
Literally 'bursting sound'. Used for sharp, explosive noises like a gunshot or a balloon popping.
Onomatopoeia for a sudden loud bang or slam. Can be used for a door slamming or a gunshot.
ドアがバンと閉まった。
The door shut with a clap.
The specific ritual clapping performed when praying at Shinto shrines.
The formal term for the ritual clapping at shrines, usually done twice before praying.
神社で柏手を打って祈った。
I clapped my hands in prayer at the shrine.
Literally 'to put hands together'. Often used for the entire prayer gesture, which may include clapping. More general than 柏手を打つ.
手を合わせて願い事をした。
I put my hands together and made a wish.
The English 'clap' can sometimes be confused with 'slap' (a hit). In Japanese, 叩く (たたく) means 'to hit/strike', so 手を叩く is literally 'strike hands', but it means clapping. For slapping someone, use 平手打ちする (ひらてうちする) or ビンタする.
I heard the sound of clapping.
風船の破裂音に驚いた。
I was startled by the clap of the balloon popping.