Nuance & Usage
写真 means photograph or picture. Essential travel phrases: 写真を撮る (shashin o toru — take a photo), 写真を撮ってもらえますか？ (Could you take a photo for me?). Related words: 写真家 (shashinka — photographer), 記念写真 (kinen shashin — commemorative photo), 証明写真 (shoumei shashin — ID photo). In the smartphone era, 写メ (shame — photo via phone, from 写メール) was popular slang, though now 写真 is used universally.
Common Mistakes
The verb for taking photos is 撮る (toru — to take/shoot), not 取る (toru — to take/get) — same pronunciation, different kanji. In writing, using the wrong one is a common error. Also, at some temples and museums, 撮影禁止 (satsuei kinshi — no photography) signs are posted — always check before photographing. When asking someone to take your photo: 写真を撮っていただけますか？ is the polite request form.
Example Sentences (3)
すみません、写真を撮ってもらえますか？
すみません、しゃしんをとってもらえますか？
Excuse me, could you take a photo for me?
旅行の写真を見せてください。
りょこうのしゃしんをみせてください。
Please show me your travel photos.
ここで写真を撮ってもいいですか？
ここでしゃしんをとってもいいですか？
Is it okay to take photos here?
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N54 questionsTest your knowledge of 写真 with 4 different question types.
Want to practice this word?
Add to Fujiyama & Study with AI
Generate more example sentences, listen to native pronunciation, and review with SRS — all personalized to your JLPT level.