Learning how to say “picture” in Japanese is a useful skill to have, especially if you’re interested in photography, art, or simply want to communicate with Japanese speakers about visual media. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of expressing this term, along with some helpful tips and examples.
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Formal Ways to Say Picture
When it comes to the formal language, the most commonly-used term for “picture” is “shashin.” This word is written using two kanji characters: 写真. Let’s break down the meaning of these characters:
写 (sha) means “to copy” or “to take a picture,”
真 (shin) means “truth” or “reality.”
When combined, these kanji represent the concept of capturing and reproducing reality through a photograph. You can use “shashin” to refer to any type of picture, whether it’s a photograph or an image on paper.
Example: 町の美しい風景を写真に撮りました。
Translation: I took a picture of the beautiful scenery in the town.
Informal Ways to Say Picture
When speaking informally, there are a few alternative words you can use to refer to a picture. One common term is “picchi,” which is a shortened form of the English word “picture.” This word is written as ピッチ in katakana.
Example: このピッチを見てごらん。すごくおもしろいよ。
Translation: Take a look at this picture. It’s really interesting!
Another informal term for “picture” is “gazō.” Similar to “shashin,” “gazō” can refer to various types of visual media, including photographs, drawings, or paintings. This word is written as 画像, using two kanji characters:
Example: 新しいゲームのキャラクターの画像を見せてくれませんか？
Translation: Could you show me a picture of the new game character?
Regional Variations
While the terms mentioned above are widely understood throughout Japan, it’s important to note that there may be some regional variations when it comes to expressing “picture” in Japanese. For instance, in the Kansai region, including cities like Osaka and Kyoto, people often use “shashin” but with a slightly different pronunciation: “shashinu” (写真う).
Example: お祖母さんが可愛い猫のしゃしんうをくれました。
Translation: Grandma gave me a cute picture of a cat.
While not as common, this variation can be heard in daily conversations within the Kansai region.
Tips for Using the Word “Picture” in Japanese
Here are a few extra tips and considerations to keep in mind when using the word for “picture” in Japanese:
- When referring specifically to a photograph, it’s generally better to use “shashin” to avoid any confusion.
- If you’re discussing a specific medium like a painting or drawing, it is more appropriate to use “gazō” or specify the type of image.
- Remember to adjust the level of politeness according to the situation and the people you are talking to. It is always better to err on the side of being too polite.
- Practice using both formal and informal terms for “picture” to improve your conversational skills in Japanese.
We hope this guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of how to say “picture” in Japanese. Remember to adapt your choice of words depending on the formality of the situation and to stay mindful of regional variations. Enjoy exploring the world of visual media in the Japanese language!
