拍

A phono-semantic compound, consists of:

手 (hand) — semantic component, indicates manual action;

白 — phonetic element, supplies pronunciation "bak / pāi."

Thus the original meaning suggests "striking or clapping with the hand."

Semantic development:

- to clap or strike;

- to beat rhythm (music);

- unit of rhythm (beat);

- to take a photograph;

- to shoot (film).

The modern sense “to take a photograph” metaphorically derives from the clicking or striking motion of early camera mechanisms.

박자 (拍子) — rhythm; beat

박수 (拍手) — applause

타박 (打拍) — rhythmic striking (rare)

拍 emphasizes:

- light striking;

- rhythmic action;

- repeated tapping.

In modern usage, it extends into photographic and cinematic terminology.

Related characters:

打 — strike

擊 — attack; hit

敲 — knock

節 — rhythm; joint

鼓 — drum

Among these, 拍 connects manual striking + rhythmic structure + photographic action.

Classical / idiomatic usage:

一拍即合 — “Agree instantly.”

拍案而起 — “Strike the table and rise (in anger).”

拍手稱快 — “Clap hands in delight.”