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.
The audience clapped.
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.
The children clapped their hands in delight.
A slightly more formal phrase meaning 'to give applause'. Often used in written or polite speech.
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.
Clap hands to keep the rhythm.
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.
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.
The specific ritual clapping performed when praying at Shinto shrines.
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.
The door shut with a clap.
I put my hands together and made a wish.