Aplaudemos

Aplaudemos is a Spanish verb form used to express a collective action in exhortation. It is the first-person plural form of the present subjunctive for the verb aplaudar (to clap, to applaud), and corresponds to the phrase “let us clap” in English. In practice, aplaudemos functions as a way to invite a group to perform the action together, often in contexts such as ceremonies, speeches, or sports events.

Linguistic note: Spanish presents two closely related verbs with similar meanings—aplaudar (to clap) and aplaudir (to applaud). The form aplaudemos comes from aplaudar; the present-subjunctive nosotros form of this -ar verb is aplaudemos. For the -ir verb aplaudir, the corresponding present-subjunctive form would be aplaudamos. Both forms express a suggestion or exhortation to act as a group, but they arise from different underlying verbs.

Usage and style: Aplaudemos is typically used in formal or semi-formal registers, or in written exhortations, to promote inclusive action. It appears in speeches, broadcasts, event programs, and audience cues. It can be replaced by other constructions such as “vamos a aplaudir” (let’s applaud) depending on tone and emphasis.

Etymology: The verb derives from aplaudar, which itself comes from the root plaud- (to clap) with the Spanish agentive and infinitive morphology, related to Latin plaudere meaning to clap or applaud.

See also: Aplaudir, Aplaudado, Imperativo, Subjuntivo.