Meaning
The kanji 拍 (haku) primarily conveys meanings related to striking, beating, clapping, and rhythm. Its core concepts center around a distinct, often repetitive, action or sound. Common English equivalents include 'clap,' 'beat' (as in a musical beat or heartbeat), 'tempo,' 'slap,' 'throb,' or 'pulse.' Essentially, it encapsulates the idea of a rhythmic or percussive action.
Etymologically, 拍 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字 - keisei moji). It's composed of two main elements: the radical 手, meaning 'hand,' and 白, which primarily serves as a phonetic component providing the 'haku' sound. The 'hand' radical clearly indicates that actions associated with 拍 involve the hands, such as clapping, striking, or marking a beat.
While 白 generally means 'white' or 'blank,' in this context, its contribution is more phonetic than semantic. However, one could imaginatively connect 'white' to the quick, bright, or clean action of a hand clapping, or the clear, distinct nature of a beat. Thus, the kanji visually and phonetically combines the idea of a hand performing a clear, striking action that produces a beat or rhythm.
Understanding this combination helps explain why 拍 is used in words like 拍手 (hakushu), meaning 'applause' or 'clapping hands,' and 脈拍 (myakuhaku), meaning 'pulse' or 'heartbeat.' Both actions involve a rhythmic, distinct motion. This kanji has 8 strokes and is a Jōyō kanji, though it is not assigned a specific school grade.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main On'yomi reading for 拍 is ハク (HAKU). You'll find this reading in most compounds, making it essential for understanding the kanji's modern use in diverse contexts, from music to physiology.
拍手 (hakushu) — This common term means "applause" or "clapping hands." It's frequently used to describe audience reactions at performances, speeches, or events.
大きな拍手で彼を迎えた。
Ōkina hakushu de kare o mukaeta.
He was met with thunderous applause.
- 観客は感動して拍手した。
Kankyaku wa kandō shite hakushu shita.
The audience clapped, moved by emotion.
脈拍 (myakuhaku) — Refers to the "pulse" or "heartbeat." You'll often encounter this word in medical contexts, health discussions, or when monitoring one's physiological state.
医者が患者の脈拍を測った。
Isha ga kanja no myakuhaku o hakatta.
The doctor measured the patient's pulse.
- 激しい運動後は脈拍が速くなる。
Hageshii undōgo wa myakuhaku ga hayaku naru.
After strenuous exercise, one's pulse speeds up.
一拍 (ippaku) — Meaning "one beat" (especially in music) or "a single moment/pause." The reading shifts to ippaku due to euphonic changes (rendaku) within the compound.
この曲は一拍が長い特徴がある。
Kono kyoku wa ippaku ga nagai tokuchō ga aru.
This song is characterized by its long beats.
- 話の途中で、一拍置いてから続けた。
Hanashi no tochū de, ippaku oite kara tsuzuketa.
Mid-conversation, I paused for a beat before continuing.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 拍 has very limited common Kun'yomi readings in modern Japanese, especially as standalone words. While some dictionaries list う-つ (u-tsu), as in 拍つ, this usage is exceptionally rare. The word is almost always written using 打つ (utsu), which carries a more general meaning of "to strike" or "to hit." Another reading, はく, can be found in specialized compounds or as a counter-like element for beats, but it is not a verb form.
拍つ (utsu) — To strike, to clap. This is a highly uncommon form. When referring to clapping hands, the more prevalent and standard kanji is 手を打つ (te o utsu).
手を拍つ (Te o utsu) — To clap hands. While grammatically possible, it is almost universally written as 手を打つ in modern Japanese.
Common Words & Compounds
This kanji appears in many essential Japanese words, particularly those linked to rhythm, physical actions, and physiological processes. Here are some common examples, grouped by theme for easier understanding and memorization:
Rhythm & Musical Terms
拍子 (hyōshi) — rhythm, tempo, beat. This is a fundamental term in music and dance, referring to the regular recurrence of beats.
拍子木 (hyōshigi) — wooden clappers, often used in traditional Japanese theater (like Kabuki) or festivals to mark rhythm and draw attention.
強拍 (kyōhaku) — a strong beat or accented beat in music, signifying emphasis in a measure.
弱拍 (jakuhaku) — a weak beat, an unaccented beat in music, contrasting with a strong beat.
三拍子 (sanbyōshi) — triple time or waltz time in music, indicating three beats per measure. Similarly, 四拍子 (yonbyōshi) refers to common time.
Actions & Applause
拍手 (hakushu) — applause, clapping. The most widely recognized compound, signifying approval or appreciation.
拍手喝采 (hakushu kassai) — enthusiastic applause, an ovation. This is a more intense form of applause, often accompanied by cheers.
連拍 (renpaku) — continuous shooting (with a camera) or rapid, consecutive claps or beats. It describes a quick succession of actions.
拍車 (hakusha) — a spur (for a horse's heel) or, more commonly, used figuratively to mean "to spur on," "to accelerate," or "to encourage action." This is often seen in the phrase 拍車をかける (hakusha o kakeru).
Physiological Terms
脈拍 (myakuhaku) — pulse, heartbeat. This refers to the rhythmic throbbing of arteries as blood is pumped by the heart.
脈拍数 (myakuhakusū) — pulse rate. This is the number of heartbeats per minute, a key indicator of cardiovascular health.
Figurative & Other Uses
- 拍子抜け (hyōshinuke) — anticlimax, a letdown, or feeling disappointed because something was less exciting or impressive than expected. It literally means "to miss a beat" or "to lose the rhythm."
Example Sentences
彼の登場に、会場から盛大な拍手が起こった。
Kare no tōjō ni, kaijō kara seidai na hakushu ga okotta.
His appearance was met with thunderous applause from the audience.
私は音楽の拍子に合わせて手拍子を取った。
Watashi wa ongaku no hyōshi ni awasete tebyōshi o totta.
I clapped my hands in time with the music.
緊張すると脈拍が速くなるのが分かる。
Kinchō suru to myakuhaku ga hayaku naru no ga wakaru.
I can tell my pulse quickens when I get nervous.
写真家はシャッターチャンスを逃さず、カメラを連拍して動物を撮影した。
Shashinka wa shattā chansu o nogasazu, kamera o renpaku shite dōbutsu o satsuei shita.
The photographer didn't miss the photo opportunity and continuously shot photos of the animals.
期待していたイベントが中止になり、拍子抜けしてしまった。
Kitai shite ita ibento ga chūshi ni nari, hyōshinuke shite shimatta.
The event I was looking forward to was canceled, and I felt let down.
経済成長にさらに拍車をかけるため、新たな政策が導入された。
Keizai seichō ni sara ni hakusha o kakeru tame, arata na seisaku ga dōnyū sareta.
New policies were introduced to further accelerate economic growth.
この曲は軽快な三拍子で、踊りやすいメロディーが特徴だ。
Kono kyoku wa keikai na sanbyōshi de, odoriyasui merodī ga tokuchō da.
This song has a light triple time and features an easy-to-dance melody.
激しい運動後、私の脈拍数は平常時の倍近くになっていた。
Hageshii undōgo, watashi no myakuhakusū wa heijōji no baichikaku ni natte ita.
After intense exercise, my pulse rate was almost double what it normally is.
指揮者は曲の最初に力強い強拍を指示した。
Shikisha wa kyoku no saisho ni chikaradzuyoi kyōhaku o shiji shita.
The conductor indicated a strong beat at the beginning of the piece.
観客は出演者への感謝を込めて、惜しみない拍手喝采を送った。
Kankyaku wa shutsuensha e no kansha o komete, oshiminai hakushu kassai o okutta.
The audience gave the performers a generous ovation, filled with gratitude.
Memory Tip
To remember 拍, think of the kanji as a "hand" (手) making a "white," quick, and clear action. Imagine a hand clapping so fast it leaves a "white" blur, creating a distinct "beat." Alternatively, envision a conductor's hand moving crisply and clearly—like a clean white stroke—to mark the "tempo" of the music. The 'hand' radical on the left emphasizes the action, while 'white' on the right provides the sound and reinforces the idea of a sharp, clean movement. This mnemonic helps you connect the visual components to the core meanings of clapping, beating, and rhythm.