撮影された
satsueisareta
The English phrase "taken" in Japanese is 撮影された (satsueisareta).
If you are referring to something being photographed, use 撮影された. If you are referring to an object being physically taken or moved, use 取られました or 取られてる. If you mean a space or item is occupied or in use, you can use 使用中です (it is in use), 使われてる (it is being used) or もう使われている (it is already being used). If a seat or item is specifically set aside, use 予約済みです (it is already reserved).
Meaning: informal: in a relationship (adj)
Which one should you use?
For expressing that something is currently occupied, the formal 使用中です (it is in use) contrasts with the informal 使われてる (it is being used) or もう使われている (it is already being used).
How do you pronounce it?
satsueisareta
Did you know?
- If you use the word 撮影された to describe a person's relationship status, you will likely be misunderstood. While it means 'taken' in the sense of a photograph being captured, using it for a person would imply they have been physically filmed or photographed.
- The verb 取る can be used to describe 'taking' a license or a qualification. In this context, it does not mean stealing or moving an object, but successfully obtaining a certification.
- While 撮影された describes being 'taken' as a photo, the word 撮影 contains the character for 'copying' or 'filming'. This is why the same word is used whether you are talking about a still photograph or a movie scene.
Example conversation
Yota asks Misaki about a mutual friend.
- 美咲 Misakiあの人は誰か撮影されたかな？ano hito wa dareka satsuei sareta kana?I wonder if that person is taken?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、彼はもう撮影されたよ。un, kare wa mou satsuei sareta yo.Yeah, he's already taken.
- 美咲 Misakiあ、そうなんだ。残念。a, sou nan da. zannen.Oh, I see. That's too bad.
- 陽太 Yotaいい人探し直そうよ。ii hito sagashinaosou yo.Let's look for someone else.
