1.
hand clapping, clapping to a rhythm or beat
Rhythmic clapping of hands, typically done in unison by an audience or group to accompany music, cheering, or traditional celebrations.
手拍子 is rhythmic hand clapping, typically done in unison by a group or audience. Composed of 手 (hand) + 拍子 (rhythm, beat).
Common collocations
- 手拍子を打つ: to clap along to a beat
- 手拍子に合わせる: to match the clapping rhythm
- 手拍子で盛り上がる: to get excited with rhythmic clapping
- 手拍子を送る: to send clapping (in support)
Cultural note
Common at concerts, festivals, and traditional celebrations. In Japanese business and celebration culture, 三本締め (three sets of rhythmic claps) and 一本締め (one set) are formal clapping patterns performed at the end of events to mark a successful conclusion.