写真
shashin[ɕa̠ɕĩɴ]
In Japanese, the word for photo is 写真 (shashin).
The standard term for a photograph is 写真. While you may see the loanword フォト used, it is typically reserved for technical contexts, brand names or digital media and social media platforms.
Meaning: to take a photograph (verb)
Which one should you use?
The standard word is 写真, whereas フォト is a loanword used primarily in digital or technical settings. For a specific informal term, 写メ is an abbreviation of 写メール used to describe a photo taken with a mobile phone.
How do you pronounce it?
shashin
Did you know?
- The word 写真 literally translates to 'copy truth'. It is composed of the characters for 'copy' and 'truth', reflecting the idea that a photo is a faithful reproduction of reality.
- When posing for a 写真, many Japanese people make a 'V' sign with their fingers, a gesture that became a standard cultural trope across East Asia.
- In Japan, it is common to ask 写真いいですか before taking a photo of a person or a specific display to ensure the act is socially acceptable.
Examples in context
- 写真見せて。Show me the photo.This example shows how to use 写真 to ask to see a photo.Tatoeba #2231002 by tommy_san, translation #1553001 by CK
- 写真、送って。Send a photo.This example shows how to use 写真 to ask someone to send a photo.Tatoeba #12148307 by small_snow, translation #12148301 by shekitten
- この写真大好き。I love this photo.This example shows how to express affection for a specific 写真.Tatoeba #221437 by bunbuku, translation #578016 by CK
- 私の写真展は来週開催されます。My photo exhibition will be held next week.
- 昨日のお祭りの写メ見せて！Show me the photo you took at yesterday's festival!
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are at a scenic park.
- 健太 Kenta結衣さん、写真を撮りましょうか？Yui-san, shashin o torimashou ka?Yui, shall I take a photo of you?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、お願いします。Hai, onegaishimasu.Yes, please.
- 健太 Kentaいい写真が撮れましたよ。Ii shashin ga toremashita yo.I took a good photo.
- 結衣 Yui健太さん、ありがとうございます。Kenta-san, arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you, Kenta.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 写真, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
