Translation guide
Describes a person, place, or thing that looks good in photographs. Japanese has several common expressions, ranging from direct loanwords to more nuanced phrases about camera presence.
To say someone or something looks attractive or appealing in photographs.
Specifically describing a person whose facial features look good in photos.
A more specific version of 写真映えする, focusing on the face. Natural and clear.
彼は顔が写真映えするタイプだ。
He has a photogenic face.
写真映え (しゃしんばえ) is used for both people and things, and often implies an overall aesthetic appeal in photos. 写真写り (しゃしんうつり) is more about how a person's appearance translates into a photo, and is less commonly used for objects. For places and food, 写真映え is the natural choice.
この景色は写真映えする。
This scenery is photogenic.
彼は写真写りがいい。
He looks good in photos.
The English word 'photogenic' is often directly borrowed as フォトジェニック, but in casual conversation, 写真映えする is more natural and widely used. Using フォトジェニック excessively can sound like marketing jargon.
A direct loanword from English, widely understood, especially in fashion, travel, and social media contexts. Often used for places, food, and people.
このカフェはとてもフォトジェニックですね。
This café is very photogenic, isn't it?
A very common and natural Japanese phrase meaning 'to look good in photos' or 'to be photogenic'. Used for people, places, and things. The noun form is 写真映え (しゃしんばえ).
彼女は本当に写真映えするね。
She's really photogenic, isn't she?
この料理は写真映えする盛り付けだ。
This dish has a photogenic presentation.
Literally 'photo appearance is good'. Commonly used for people, meaning they look good in photos. Can also be used for objects, but 写真映え is more common for things.
私は写真写りが悪いんです。
I'm not photogenic. (lit. My photo appearance is bad.)
A trendy term meaning 'Instagram-worthy' or 'looks good on Instagram'. Often used for food, scenery, and fashion. Can imply something is designed specifically to be shared on social media.
このスイーツはインスタ映え間違いなし！
This dessert is definitely Instagram-worthy!
Literally 'a face with good photo appearance'. A noun phrase describing a photogenic face.
彼女は写真写りのいい顔をしている。
She has a photogenic face.