Meaning and Usage
歓声 (かんせい) means "cheer" or "shout of joy." It is commonly used to describe loud, enthusiastic sounds made by a crowd or group of people expressing happiness or excitement.
Contexts
You will often hear 歓声 at sports events, concerts, celebrations, or any situation where people collectively express joy. It usually refers to spontaneous, loud cheering rather than formal applause.
Common Collocations
- 歓声が上がる (かんせいがあがる): "cheers rise" — used when a crowd suddenly cheers.
- 大きな歓声 (おおきなかんせい): "loud cheer" — emphasizes the volume and enthusiasm.
- 歓声をあげる (かんせいをあげる): "to cheer" — the act of shouting joyfully.
Register and Nuance
歓声 is neutral and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when describing crowd reactions. It conveys a positive emotional atmosphere.
Learner Tip
Don't confuse 歓声 with拍手 (はくしゅ, applause). 歓声 is vocal cheering, while 拍手 is clapping. Both often occur together but describe different actions.