clap · beat

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 拍 has 8 strokes and the on-reading はく. 拍手 (はくしゅ) and 拍子 (ひょうし) have distinct whole-word readings.
• Basic usage: 拍手 means applause; 拍子 means the beat or rhythm of music or dance.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Giving applause and following a beat
  • 大きな拍手が起こった means that loud applause broke out after the performance. 発表に拍手を送りました means applauded the presentation.
  • 太鼓の拍子に合わせて means in time with the drumbeat. 途中で拍子が変わる means that the rhythm changes during the piece, without specifying its exact halfway point.