Inklingo
← Dictionary

aplauso

ah-PLOW-soh/aˈplau̯.so/

“aplauso” means “applause” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

applause, clapping

NounmA1
A pair of human hands enthusiastically clapping together, with small curved lines indicating the sound of the applause.

📝 In Action

Al terminar la canción, el público estalló en un aplauso fuerte.

A1

When the song finished, the audience erupted in loud applause.

Necesitas dar un aplauso a los niños por su esfuerzo.

A2

You need to give the children a clap for their effort.

El aplauso duró varios minutos, pidiendo otra canción.

B1

The applause lasted several minutes, asking for another song.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • palmada (tap/pat)
  • ovación (ovation)

Antonyms

  • abucheo (booing)
  • silbido (hissing/whistling (of disapproval))

Common Collocations

  • un fuerte aplauso – loud applause
  • pedir un aplauso – to ask for applause

praise, acclaim

Also: approval
NounmB1formal
A shiny, classic golden trophy placed centrally on a small pedestal, symbolizing high praise or acclaim.

📝 In Action

El nuevo libro recibió el aplauso unánime de la crítica especializada.

B2

The new book received the unanimous acclaim of the specialized critics.

Su larga trayectoria profesional mereció el aplauso de sus colegas.

B1

His long professional career deserved the praise of his colleagues.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • desaprobación (disapproval)

Common Collocations

  • el aplauso de la crítica – critical acclaim

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "aplauso" in Spanish:

acclaim→applause→approval→clapping→praise→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: aplauso

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'aplauso' in its figurative sense (meaning praise or recognition)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
aplaudir(to applaud/to clap) — Verb
aplaudidor(clapper/applauder (person)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
recursoconfuso
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *applausus*, which was the past action form of the verb *applaudere*, meaning 'to strike upon' or 'to clap'. The root is simple: a sound made by hitting something.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: applausoPortuguese: aplauso

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'a round of applause' in Spanish?

The most natural way is usually just 'un aplauso' (singular), or sometimes 'una ronda de aplausos' (a round of claps), but the singular form is more frequent.

Is 'aplauso' the verb form?

No, 'aplauso' is the noun (the thing/sound). The verb form, meaning 'to clap hands,' is 'aplaudir'.