写真 — meaning in English: Photo

shashin · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for photograph

削減

sakugei

オフィス

ofisu

写真

shashin

受け入れ

ukeire

除去

jokyo

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 写真 (shashin) in various contexts, from casual conversations about family photos to professional settings where photography is discussed. You might hear it when friends share their vacation pictures or during a discussion about a photography exhibition.

Synonyms & nuances

Another Japanese word for photo is フォト (foto), which is borrowed from English and often used in more modern contexts. While 写真 conveys a sense of artistry and cultural heritage, フォト might be used in more casual or commercial settings, such as advertising.

Culture

The word 写真 (shashin) is derived from the kanji for 'to copy' (写) and 'truth' (真), reflecting the idea of capturing the truth of a moment. In Japan, photography has played a significant role in documenting culture and family life, especially during festivals and significant life events, making the art form deeply personal and culturally significant.

FAQ

Q.What does 写真 (shashin) mean in Japanese?

写真 (shashin) means 'photo' or 'picture' in Japanese, referring to an image captured by a camera. It's commonly used in everyday conversation.

Q.How do you use 写真 in a sentence?

You can say, 'この写真は美しいです' (Kono shashin wa utsukushii desu), which translates to 'This photo is beautiful.' It’s a straightforward way to compliment a picture.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 写真?

A common mistake is confusing 写真 (shashin) with other terms like 映画 (eiga), which means 'movie.' Remember, 写真 specifically refers to still images, while 映画 pertains to moving pictures.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000