What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 私の写真を撮っていただけますか？ literally translates to "Could I receive the favor of you taking my photo?"
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter 写真を撮ってもらえますか？, which is a slightly less formal but still polite way to make the same request. For a very casual setting with friends or peers, you might use the informal 写真、撮ってくれる？
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal approach, you can use すみません、写真を撮っていただけますか？ The addition of すみません at the beginning is a polite way to get someone's attention or ask for a favor. The version 写真を撮ってもらえますか？ serves as a polite and standard option. In contrast, 写真を撮ってくれない？ is an informal way to ask and 写真、撮ってくれる？ is also informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb used to express the action is 撮る (to take). Note that this verb is used for both taking photos and taking objects or items.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi no shashin o totte itadakemasu ka?
When do people say it?
When you ask someone to take a photo, a common natural response you might hear is はい、いいですよ (Yes, sure). If the person is unable to take the photo, they will often use the polite refusal すみません、ちょっと… (Sorry, [I'm a bit busy/can't]…) rather than a direct "no".
Did you know?
- The word 写真 (shashin) is composed of characters meaning 'copy' and 'truth', reflecting the early perception of photography as a way to capture an absolute reality.
- Japanese people often use the phrase いい感じに when asking for a photo to be taken, which means 'in a way that feels good' or 'make it look nice'.
- If you are asking a stranger to take a photo, you might see them hold the camera with both hands as a sign of respect and care for your property.
Examples in context
- すみませんが、私の写真を撮っていただけますか？Sumimasen ga, watashi no shashin o totte itadakemasu ka?Excuse me, but could you take my picture?
- もしよろしければ、私の写真を撮っていただけますか？Moshi yoroshikereba, watashi no shashin o totte itadakemasu ka?If you wouldn't mind, could you take my picture?
Example conversation
Himari is a tourist in a beautiful park and approaches Kenta to ask for a favor.
- 陽葵 Himariすみません、私の写真を撮っていただけますか？Sumimasen, watashi no shashin o totte itadakemasu ka?Excuse me, can you take my picture?
- 健太 Kenta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 very much.
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、どういたしまして。Iie, dou itashimashite.No, you're welcome.
