拍照
pāizhào
To take a picture in Chinese is 拍照 (pāizhào). Wiktionary also lists 照相 (zhàoxiàng).
Meaning: capture an image (verb)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 拍照 | pāizhào |
| 照相 | zhàoxiàng |
Both 拍照 and 照相 are used to describe the act of capturing an image. 拍照 is a disyllabic verb that is often used with a direct object, such as a person or scenery, by adding a prepositional phrase. For example, you can use 给…拍照 to say you are taking a picture of or for someone.
Which one should you use?
While both terms mean to take a photo, 照相 is slightly more formal or traditional than 拍照.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to specify the quantity of pictures taken, you use the verb 拍 followed by the measure word 张 and the noun 照片 (e.g., 拍了一张照片). To make a request more polite, you can add 请 (please) before the phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
pāizhào
Did you know?
- The word 相 (xiàng) in 照相 refers to an image or appearance, but it is also the same character used for 'physiognomy' or 'face reading'. Traditionally, this linked the 'image' of a person to their destiny.
- When people pose for a photo in China, they often make a 'V' sign with their fingers. This gesture is so common that it has become a cultural shorthand for 'taking a picture' in visual media.
- When using the verb 拍 to mean 'to take' a photo, the character itself carries the literal meaning of 'to clap' or 'to strike' with the palm.
Examples in context
- 因为闪光灯坏了，他不能在黑暗中拍照。The flash wasn't working, so he couldn't take a picture in the dark.This sentence shows how 拍照 is used when discussing the inability to take a picture in the dark due to a broken flash.Tatoeba #4147261 by sissima, translation #4146682 by Lepotdeterre
- 我本来想给我在公园发现的松鼠拍照，但它太敏捷了，因此我拍的照片都不好。I was going to take a picture of a squirrel I found in the park, but it was too nimble, and all my shots were no good.This example uses 拍照 to describe the attempt to take a picture of a squirrel.Tatoeba #12617596 by Enzo, translation #1528230 by marshmallowcat
- 这里允许拍照吗？Can I take a picture here?This sentence uses 拍照 to ask for permission to take a picture in a specific location.Tatoeba #332926 by fucongcong, translation #1046879 by szaby78
- 您可以帮我拍照片吗？Could you please take a picture for me?
- 我们明天一起去旅游，记得带好相机，咱们多拍照！Let's go on a trip together tomorrow, remember to bring your camera, and let's take many pictures!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Jiayi are visiting a famous landmark.
- 志强 Zhiqiang佳怡，我帮你拍照吧！Jiāyí, wǒ bāng nǐ pāizhào ba!Jiayi, let me take a picture for you!
- 佳怡 Jiayi好的，谢谢志强。Hǎo de, xièxie Zhìqiáng.Okay, thank you Zhiqiang.
- 志强 Zhiqiang三，二，一，笑一个！Sān, èr, yī, xiào yīgè!Three, two, one, smile!
- 佳怡 Jiayi快给我看看拍得怎么样。Kuài gěi wǒ kànkan pāide zěnmeyàng.Quick, let me see how it turned out.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “take a picture” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
