拍摄

pāishè

to take (a picture); to shoot (a film)

HSK 5

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 拍摄 (pāishè) primarily means "to film" or "to take photographs or videos." It is commonly used in contexts involving professional or amateur photography and videography. The character implies the action of patting or striking, which relates metaphorically to the act of capturing images, while means to absorb or take in, emphasizing the capturing process.

Common Contexts

  • Filming movies, TV shows, or commercials: e.g., 拍摄电影 (filming a movie).
  • Taking photographs or videos, especially with professional equipment.
  • Describing the act of capturing natural scenes or events.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 拍摄现场 (shooting location): refers to the place where filming occurs.
  • 拍摄设备 (photography equipment): tools used for shooting.
  • 拍摄角度 (shooting angle): the perspective or angle from which photos or videos are taken.

Usage Notes

When using 拍摄, the focus is often on the technical or professional aspect of capturing images or videos, unlike 拍照 which is more casual and refers simply to taking photos. 拍摄 can be used for both still images and moving pictures. It is a formal term often seen in media, film, and photography contexts.

Avoid confusing 拍摄 with (to pat or slap) or 摄取 (to absorb nutrients), as the meanings differ despite sharing characters.

Example Sentences

他们正在公园里拍摄一部电影。

Tāmen zhèngzài gōngyuán lǐ pāishè yī bù diànyǐng.

They are filming a movie in the park.

这次拍摄需要用到专业的摄影设备。

Zhè cì pāishè xūyào yòng dào zhuānyè de shèyǐng shèbèi.

This shoot requires professional photography equipment.

他喜欢拍摄自然风光的照片。

Tā xǐhuān pāishè zìrán fēngguāng de zhàopiàn.

He likes to take photos of natural scenery.