フォトカード
fotokādo
The English phrase "photocard" is translated into Japanese as フォトカード (fotokādo).
In the context of idol culture, this term refers to a photograph card of an idol.
Meaning: photograph card of an idol (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word フォトカード is a loanword composed of the katakana for "photo" (フォト) and "card" (カード).
Which one should you use?
While フォトカード is the full term, fans often use the abbreviation トレカ (toreka) more commonly. You may also encounter フォトカ (fotoka) as a shortened version.
How do you pronounce it?
fotokādo
When do people say it?
In Japanese fan culture, the abbreviation トレカ is the more common way to refer to these items.
Did you know?
- The term トレカ is used for idol photocards even though the word originally referred to gaming cards like Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering.
- In Japanese idol commerce, トレカ are often used as 'benefits' or 特典 (tokuten) given only to people who attend a specific event or buy a specific edition of an album.
- To protect these cards, Japanese collectors use スリーブ (sleeves) and コレクターズページ (collector's pages) to create elaborate, curated binders known as トレカ帳.
Examples in context
- 新しいフォトカードを買いました。Atarashii fotokaado o kaimashita.I bought a new photocard.
- このフォトカードはとても貴重です。Kono fotokaado wa totemo kichou desu.This photocard is very precious.
- 推しのフォトカードが欲しくてたまりません。Oshi no fotokaado ga hoshikute tamarimasen.I desperately want my favorite idol's photocard.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about their favorite group's new album.
- 健太 Kenta美咲、アルバムの中のフォトカードは誰だった？Misaki, arubamu no naka no fotokādo wa dare datta?Misaki, who was the photocard inside the album?
- 美咲 Misaki一番好きなメンバーのフォトカードだったよ！Ichiban suki na menbā no fotokādo datta yo!It was a photocard of my favorite member!
- 健太 Kentaそれは運がいいね。Sore wa un ga ii ne.You are lucky.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に嬉しい！Hontō ni ureshii!I'm really happy!
