In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'take a photo' in Chinese.
- A separable verb that can be split by numbers or objects.
- Perfect for tourists, friends, and family gatherings alike.
Meaning
This is the go-to way to say 'take a photo' or 'snap a picture' in Chinese. It is the basic action of capturing a moment with a camera or phone.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking a stranger for help at the Great Wall
您好，能帮我们照相吗？
Hello, could you help us take a photo?
At a graduation ceremony
我们一起照张相吧！
Let's take a photo together!
A professional photographer in a studio
请坐好，我要开始照相了。
Please sit properly, I'm going to start taking the photos.
Cultural Background
Taking photos is a major social pillar in modern Chinese culture, often linked to the concept of 'da ka' (punching in) at famous locations. Historically, getting a professional 'zhao xiang' was a rare luxury for families during the New Year. Today, the phrase carries that legacy of capturing a significant moment, even if it's just a bowl of noodles.
The 'Split' Trick
If you want to sound like a pro, put the number of photos in the middle. Instead of saying `照相两张`, say `照两张相`.
Don't confuse with 'Photo'
Remember: `照相` is the action (verb). `照片` is the object (noun). You can't say 'Look at my 照相'.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'take a photo' in Chinese.
- A separable verb that can be split by numbers or objects.
- Perfect for tourists, friends, and family gatherings alike.
What It Means
照相 is the standard way to say you are taking a picture. The first word 照 means to shine or reflect. The second word 相 means a portrait or appearance. Put them together and you are literally 'reflecting an image' onto film or a sensor. It is simple, direct, and used every single day.
How To Use It
This is a 'separable verb' in Chinese. That means you can pull the two words apart. You can say 照相 for the general act. But if you want to say 'take a photo of me,' you say 给我照相. If you want to say 'take three photos,' you stick the number in the middle: 照三张相. It feels a bit like a LEGO set you can snap apart and rebuild.
When To Use It
Use it whenever a camera is involved. Use it at a tourist spot when you want a stranger to help. Use it at a birthday party. Use it when you see a cute cat on the street. It is the most common, 'textbook' way to talk about photography. It works for both professional cameras and your smartphone.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are talking about 'filming' a video. For videos, you need 录像 or 拍视频. Also, younger people often prefer the word 拍照. 照相 can sometimes feel a tiny bit old-fashioned to Gen-Z. It’s like saying 'take a photograph' instead of 'snap a pic.' It’s never wrong, but it’s a bit more traditional.
Cultural Background
In China, 'taking photos' is a serious social activity. If you go to a park, you will see people with professional lighting setups just for a casual stroll. There is a huge culture of 'checking in' at famous spots. Taking a photo isn't just about the memory. It is about sharing the experience with your social circle immediately.
Common Variations
As mentioned, 拍照 is the most popular alternative. You will hear 拍一张 which means 'take one shot.' If you are taking a selfie, you add 'self' to the front: 自拍. If you are looking for the noun 'a photo,' you use 照片. Just remember: 照相 is the action, 照片 is the physical (or digital) result.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral, everyday phrase. Be careful with the separable verb structure—place durations or quantities between `照` and `相`.
The 'Split' Trick
If you want to sound like a pro, put the number of photos in the middle. Instead of saying `照相两张`, say `照两张相`.
Don't confuse with 'Photo'
Remember: `照相` is the action (verb). `照片` is the object (noun). You can't say 'Look at my 照相'.
Say Eggplant!
When Chinese people `照相`, they don't say 'Cheese!' They say `茄子` (Qiézi), which means 'Eggplant' because it makes your mouth form a smile.
Examples
6您好，能帮我们照相吗？
Hello, could you help us take a photo?
A very polite and standard way to ask for a favor.
我们一起照张相吧！
Let's take a photo together!
Uses 'zhang' as a measure word inside the verb.
请坐好，我要开始照相了。
Please sit properly, I'm going to start taking the photos.
Formal instruction in a professional setting.
我想去公园照相。
I want to go to the park to take photos.
Casual planning with a friend.
你照相照了半个小时了！
You've been taking photos for half an hour already!
Repeats the verb to show duration.
这是我小时候照的相。
This is a photo taken when I was a child.
Shows the past tense usage with 'de'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to ask someone to take a photo of you.
请帮我___。
`照相` is the verb (to take a photo), while `照片` is the noun (the photo itself).
How do you say 'take two photos'?
照___相。
`张` is the specific measure word for flat objects like photos.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to say 'Take a Photo'
Used by youth/online
拍个照 (Pāi gè zhào)
Standard daily use
照相 (Zhàoxiàng)
Professional/Technical
摄影 (Shèyǐng)
Where to use 照相
Tourist Spots
帮我照相
Family Dinners
全家照相
ID Photo Office
照证件相
Artistic hobby
喜欢照相
Practice Bank
2 exercises请帮我___。
`照相` is the verb (to take a photo), while `照片` is the noun (the photo itself).
照___相。
`张` is the specific measure word for flat objects like photos.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThey are almost identical. 拍照 is slightly more modern and common in casual speech, while 照相 is the standard term found in textbooks.
You can, but it's more specific to say 自拍 (zìpāi) for a selfie. 照相 usually implies someone else is holding the camera.
You should say 给我照相 (gěi wǒ zhàoxiàng). Literally, 'for me take photo'.
It is neutral. It's perfectly fine for both a casual hangout and a formal wedding announcement.
No, 照相 is strictly for still images. For videos, use 录像 (lùxiàng) or 拍视频 (pāi shìpín).
The measure word is 张 (zhāng). You would say 一张照片 or 照一张相.
Adding 个 (gè) in the middle makes it sound more casual and brief, like saying 'snap a quick pic'.
Yes, if you are taking a group photo at the end, saying 我们照个相吧 is very common and appropriate.
No, the camera is 照相机 (zhàoxiàngjī). The 机 means machine.
You can say 我喜欢照相, but if you mean photography as an art form, 摄影 (shèyǐng) is a better, more 'artsy' word.
