Definition
打拍子 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to beat time' in music — you move your hand or foot to mark the rhythm. The verb 打 and the object 拍子 can split: you can insert a measure word or duration between them, like 打了一个拍子 ('beat one beat') or 打着拍子 ('beating time'). It's used when conducting, tapping along to music, or keeping a steady tempo.
v.o.
to beat time (in music)to mark the rhythm
Examples
- 打拍子，。Zhǐhuī zài tái shàng dǎ pāi zi, yuèduì gēnzhe yǎnzòu.The conductor beat time on stage, and the orchestra played along.
- ，著。Tā yìbiān chànggē, yìbiān yòng shǒu dǎ zhe pāizi.He sang while beating time with his hand.
- 。Lǎoshī jiāo wǒmen dǎ yí gè sì pāi de pāizi.The teacher taught us to beat a four-beat pattern.
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