Definition
拍手 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning to clap one's hands or applaud. The verb 拍 (to pat/slap) and the object 手 (hand) can split: for example, you can say 拍了两下手 ('clapped twice') or 拍起手来 ('started clapping'). You cannot put a direct object after 拍手 — the clapping is the action itself.
v.o.
to clap one's handsto applaud
Examples
- 拍手。Dàjiā wèi tā de jīngcǎi yǎnchū pāi shǒu.Everyone applauded his wonderful performance.
- 。Tā gāoxìng de pāi qǐ shǒu lái.He was so happy that he started clapping.
- ,。Lǎoshī jiǎng wán gùshì hòu, háizimen pāi le liǎng xià shǒu.After the teacher finished the story, the children clapped twice.
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