拍手称快

拍手稱快

pāishǒuchēngkuài

idiom #56,115

Meanings

1 to clap and cheer
2 to applaud in satisfaction (usually when justice is done)
3 to rejoice at a fitting outcome

Characters

to clap; to pat

to praise; to call out

satisfaction; delight

Examples

贪官被抓，老百姓拍手称快。

Tānguān bèi zhuā, lǎobǎixìng pāishǒuchēngkuài.

When the corrupt official was arrested, ordinary people clapped and cheered.

看到恶人受到惩罚，大家都拍手称快。

Kàndào èrén shòudào chéngfá, dàjiā dōu pāishǒuchēngkuài.

Seeing the villain punished, everyone applauded with satisfaction.

Tips

history

From Ling Mengchu's 《二刻拍案惊奇》 (Slapping the Table in Amazement, Second Collection, late Ming): 「又见恶姑奸夫俱死，又无不拍手称快」 — readers applauded when the wicked mother-in-law and adulterer both died. The phrase specifically marks satisfaction at wrongdoers getting their due.

usage

Carries a moral-justice flavor — used when bad actors suffer consequences. Sounds off if used for a neutral happy event (e.g. don't say it about a wedding).

Stroke Order

拍 pāi

手 shǒu

称 chēng

快 kuài