Definition
打鼓 is a separable verb (离合词) with two distinct uses. Literally it means 'to beat a drum'. Figuratively it describes a feeling of uncertainty or nervousness — like having butterflies in your stomach — often used in the pattern 心里打鼓 ('one's heart is thumping with doubt'). When separated, elements like 过, 了, or a measure phrase go between 打 and 鼓: 打过鼓, 打了一会鼓.
v.o.
to beat a drumto play the drums(figurative) to feel uncertainto be nervous or hesitant (about something)
Examples
- 打鼓。Tā dǎ gǔ de yàngzi hěn zhuānyè.His drumming looks very professional.
- ，打鼓。Yì xiǎng dào míngtiān de miànshì, wǒ xīnlǐ jiù kāishǐ dǎ gǔ.Whenever I think about tomorrow's interview, my heart starts pounding with doubt.
- 。Tā wèi wǒ dǎ le yì tōng gǔ lái zhùxìng.He beat a round of drums to liven things up for me.
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