一緒に写真を撮ってもいいですか？
issho ni shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?
To say "can I take a picture with you?" in Japanese, you say 一緒に写真を撮ってもいいですか？ (issho ni shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?)
This phrase is used specifically when you want to be in the frame with the person, rather than just taking a photo of them. It relies on the verb 撮る, which means to take a picture.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase starts with 一緒に, which means "together" and is used to indicate that the photo should include both people.
Which one should you use?
In contrast, 一緒に写真撮っていい？ is a shortened, casual version used for friends or people of a similar age. For even more formal situations, you can use 一緒に写真を撮っていただけませんか?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
一緒に写真を撮ってもいいですか? is a polite form suitable for asking strangers, such as celebrities or people you meet while traveling. Use the informal 一緒に写真撮っていい? with friends or people of a similar age. For a formal approach, use 一緒に写真を撮っていただけませんか?
How do you pronounce it?
issho ni shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?
Did you know?
- While the word 写真 means 'photograph', its literal kanji components mean 'copy' and 'light'. This reflects the early understanding of photography as a way of copying images using light.
- In Japan, it is common to make a 'V' sign with your fingers while posing for a photo. This gesture is so ubiquitous that it is often an automatic response when someone asks 一緒に写真を撮ってもいいですか？
- The verb 撮る used in this phrase is written with a different kanji than the verb for 'taking' an object, like a book. Using the wrong character in writing would change the meaning from 'capturing an image' to 'physically seizing' something.
Examples in context
- 田中さん、一緒に写真を撮っていただけませんか？Tanaka-san, can I take a picture with you?
- 先輩、写真撮ってもいい？Senpai, can I take a picture?
- すみません、一緒に写真を撮ってもいいですか？sumimasen, issho ni shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?Excuse me, can I take a picture with you?
- もしよろしければ、一緒に写真を撮ってもいいですか？moshi yoroshikereba, issho ni shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?If it's alright with you, can I take a picture with you?
Example conversation
Hina meets Yota at a fan event.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太さん、一緒に写真を撮ってもいいですか？Yota-san, issho ni shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?Yota, can I take a picture with you?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、もちろんです！Hai, mochiron desu!Yes, of course!
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます！Arigatou gozaimasu!Thank you so much!
- 陽太 Yotaでは、撮りましょう。Dewa, torimashou.Well then, let's take it.
