Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for 'photograph' is 写真 (しゃしん). It covers most uses of the English word, but there are also more specific terms for formal portraits, snapshots, and the act of taking a photo.
The most common, everyday word for a photograph, picture, or image captured by a camera.
The default word for 'photograph' in Japanese. Used for both physical prints and digital images.
この写真は去年の夏に撮ったものです。
This photograph was taken last summer.
写真を撮ってもいいですか。
May I take a photograph?
Loanword from English, often used in compound words or brand names (e.g., フォトグラファー, フォトブック). Less common as a standalone word.
このフォトアルバムはプレゼントにぴったりです。
This photo album is perfect for a gift.
A formal, posed photograph, often taken at ceremonies, weddings, or for official purposes.
Literally 'commemorative photograph'. Used for group photos at events, graduations, etc.
卒業式の後で、みんなで記念写真を撮りました。
After the graduation ceremony, we all took a commemorative photograph.
An informal, quickly taken photograph, often capturing a spontaneous moment.
From 'snap' + 写真. Refers to casual, candid shots.
旅行中にたくさんスナップ写真を撮った。
I took a lot of snapshots during the trip.
Shortened form of スナップ写真, common in casual speech.
Specifically a printed photograph, as opposed to a digital file.
写真 can refer to both digital and printed photos. Context usually makes it clear.
この写真を引き伸ばして額に入れたい。
I want to enlarge this photograph and put it in a frame.
Loanword for 'print'. Often used when talking about ordering or making prints.
The action or process of capturing a photograph.
The standard phrase for 'take a photograph'. 撮る is the specific verb for taking photos/videos.
ここで写真を撮らないでください。
Please do not take photographs here.
Noun meaning 'photography' or 'filming'. Used in formal or technical contexts.
撮影は午後から始まります。
The photography session will start in the afternoon.
When saying 'take a photograph', always use 撮る (とる), not 取る (とる). 取る means 'to take' in a general sense (e.g., take an object), while 撮る is specifically for capturing images or video.
Loanword for 'portrait'. Used in artistic or professional photography contexts.
彼女のポートレートをスタジオで撮影した。
I took her portrait in the studio.
いいスナップが撮れたね。
You got a nice snap, didn't you?
デジタルデータからプリントを作成できます。
You can make prints from digital data.