手拍子（てびょうし、tebyoushi）
- clapping

The Japanese word 手拍子 (てびょうし) refers to clapping one's hands, specifically to create a rhythm or to show appreciation. It can also refer to the act of clapping in time with music or a performance. The word encompasses the action itself, the sound produced, and the rhythm created. 手拍子 is often used to encourage performers or to express enjoyment.

⚫︎ 音楽に合わせて、手拍子を打つ。 Translation: Clap your hands in time with the music. ⚫︎ 素晴らしい演奏に、手拍子を送った。 Translation: I gave them a round of applause for the wonderful performance. ⚫︎ 観客はみんな、手拍子をして楽しんでいた。 Translation: The audience was enjoying themselves, clapping along.

You use 手拍子 in various contexts: ⚫︎ To describe the act of clapping hands. ⚫︎ To express appreciation or approval, much like clapping in English. ⚫︎ To provide rhythm or accompany music. ⚫︎ To encourage someone, like cheering. ⚫︎ When discussing a specific rhythm or beat, implying the act of clapping. You can use phrases like 手拍子を打つ (てびょうしをうつ) (to clap), 手拍子が聞こえる (てびょうしがきこえる) (to hear clapping), or describe the speed and quality of the clapping.

手拍子 is written using the kanji 手 (て - hand) and 拍子 (ひょうし - rhythm, beat, time). It is commonly written in hiragana as てびょうし for learners. The okurigana is standard, with no variations.

⚫︎ 拍手 (はくしゅ) - applause, clapping ⚫︎ 手をたたく (てをたたく) - to clap one's hands ⚫︎ パチパチ - the sound of clapping (onomatopoeia)

There aren't direct antonyms for 手拍子 in the sense of a single word. However, actions that are the opposite of clapping, or expressing negativity, could be considered.

コンサートで、観客はみんな一緒に手拍子をしました。 ・Translation: At the concert, all the audience members clapped together. ・Explanation: This sentence describes the action of the audience clapping in unison.

先生のジョークに、生徒たちは手拍子をして笑いました。 ・Translation: The students clapped and laughed at the teacher's joke. ・Explanation: This shows 手拍子 expressing appreciation and amusement.

The word 手拍子 is a compound word. 手 (て) means "hand" and 拍子 (ひょうし) refers to "rhythm" or "beat". Therefore, 手拍子 literally means "hand rhythm" or "hand beat", describing the action of creating rhythm with one's hands by clapping.