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.
This photograph was taken last summer.
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.
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.
After the graduation ceremony, we all took a commemorative photograph.
Loanword for 'portrait'. Used in artistic or professional photography contexts.
An informal, quickly taken photograph, often capturing a spontaneous moment.
Specifically a printed photograph, as opposed to a digital file.
The action or process of capturing a photograph.
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.
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.
撮影は午後から始まります。
The photography session will start in the afternoon.