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A2 noun #2,200 가장 일반적인 6분 분량

しゃしん

shashin
At the A1 level, 'shashin' is introduced as a basic noun. Learners focus on identifying objects and simple possession. You learn to say 'Kore wa shashin desu' (This is a photo) and 'Watashi no shashin' (My photo). The primary verb associated is 'miseru' (to show), as in 'Shashin o misete kudasai' (Please show me the photo). At this stage, the focus is on the physical object or the digital file as a thing you have or show. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just treat it as a standard noun that follows the 'Object + o + Verb' pattern. You might also learn 'kamera' (camera) alongside it. The goal is to be able to point at a picture of your family or a dog and name it correctly in Japanese.
At the A2 level, you move from just naming the object to describing actions. This is where you learn the vital phrase 'shashin o toru' (to take a photo). You start using adjectives to describe photos, such as 'kirei na shashin' (a beautiful photo) or 'furui shashin' (an old photo). You also learn to use 'shashin' in requests, like 'Shashin o totte kudasai' (Please take a photo). You begin to understand the use of the particle 'de' for location ('Koko de shashin o torimasu' - I take a photo here) and 'to' for people ('Tomodachi to shashin o torimasu' - I take a photo with a friend). This level is about basic survival communication regarding photography during travel or social events.
At the B1 level, you use 'shashin' to discuss experiences and memories. You can explain why a photo is important to you using 'kara' or 'node' (because). You might say, 'Omoide no shashin nanode, taisetsu desu' (Because it's a photo of a memory, it's important). You also start using more specific verbs like 'utsuru' (to be in a photo/to be reflected). For example, 'Shashin ni kirei ni utsutte imasu ne' (You look beautiful in the photo). You can handle more complex social situations, such as asking for permission to post a photo online: 'SNS ni upu shite mo ii desu ka?' (Is it okay to upload this to social media?). You also begin to distinguish between 'shashin' and 'gazou' (image) in digital contexts.
At the B2 level, you can discuss photography as a hobby or technical skill. You use vocabulary related to composition, lighting, and equipment. You might talk about 'shouten' (focus), 'bokashi' (background blur/bokeh), or 'kouseisai' (high resolution). You can express opinions on the artistic merit of a 'shashin' and discuss the impact of digital editing ('kakou'). You understand the nuance of 'shashin-ka' (photographer) versus someone who just takes photos. You can also engage in discussions about the ethics of photography, such as 'shouzouken' (portrait rights/privacy rights), which is a significant topic in Japan. Your sentences become more complex, using passive and causative forms: 'Shashin o torasete moraimashita' (I was allowed to take a photo).
At the C1 level, 'shashin' is discussed in philosophical, historical, or academic terms. You might analyze the role of 'shashin' in journalism ('houdou shashin') and its power to shape public opinion. You can discuss the etymology (写 + 真) and how the concept of 'copying truth' has evolved in the age of AI-generated images and deepfakes. You use advanced structures to describe the evocative nature of a photograph: 'Kono shashin wa, miru mono no kokoro o yusaburu' (This photo shakes the heart of the viewer). You are comfortable with technical jargon used in professional photography and can critique a 'shashin-shuu' (photo book) using sophisticated aesthetic vocabulary like 'wabi-sabi' or 'utsuroi.'
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'shashin' in all its metaphorical and technical glory. You can interpret abstract uses of the word in literature or poetry, where 'shashin' might represent a frozen moment in time or a deceptive reality. You can navigate complex legal documents regarding 'shashin' copyright and usage rights with ease. You can lead a seminar on the history of Japanese photography, from the early 'dagereotaipu' (daguerreotype) to modern digital trends. You understand the subtle cultural nuances of why certain things are photographed in Japan and others are not, and you can articulate these nuances in high-level debates or academic writing. The word is no longer just a label but a gateway to deep cultural and philosophical discourse.
연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

しゃしん 30초 만에

  • Shashin means photograph or picture taken with a camera.
  • The kanji characters literally mean 'copying reality' or 'copying truth'.
  • The most common verb pairing is 'shashin o toru' (to take a photo).
  • It is a basic N5 level word essential for daily Japanese conversation.

The Japanese word しゃしん (写真 - Shashin) is a foundational noun that translates directly to 'photograph' or 'picture' in English. At its core, it refers to an image captured using a camera, whether digital or film. However, the linguistic depth of this word is revealed when looking at its kanji composition. The first character, 写 (sha), means to copy, describe, or reproduce. The second character, 真 (shin), means truth, reality, or genuineness. Together, they literally mean 'a reproduction of reality.' This reflects the historical perception of photography as a medium that captures the absolute truth of a moment.

Grammatical Category
Noun (Meishi). It can also function as a Suru-verb in specific contexts like 'shashin-suru' (to photograph), though 'shashin o toru' is much more common.
JLPT Level
N5 (Beginner). It is one of the first 500 words a student learns.
Visual Representation
Physical prints, digital JPEG files, or the act of framing a shot.

これは家族のしゃしんです。(Kore wa kazoku no shashin desu.) - This is a photo of my family.

In modern Japanese, 'shashin' covers everything from a professional portrait to a casual 'selfie' (though 'jidori' is specifically used for selfies). It is a versatile word used in legal contexts (identification photos), artistic contexts (photography exhibitions), and daily social interactions. Understanding 'shashin' is not just about the object itself, but about the cultural importance of 'capturing the moment' in Japanese society, which is famously obsessed with documentation and memory-keeping.

きれいなしゃしんを撮りました。(Kirei na shashin o torimashita.) - I took a beautiful photo.

Synonym Nuance
Unlike 'e' (picture/painting), 'shashin' specifically implies a mechanical or digital capture process.

The word is often paired with the verb 'toru' (撮る), which is a specific kanji for 'taking' a photo, distinct from 'toru' (取る) meaning to take an object. This distinction is crucial for intermediate learners. When you talk about 'shashin,' you are often talking about 'omoide' (memories). In Japanese homes, 'shashin-tate' (photo frames) and 'arubamu' (albums) hold significant sentimental value, often being the first things saved in emergencies.

Using しゃしん correctly involves mastering a few key verb pairings and particles. The most essential construction is しゃしんを撮る (shashin o toru), which means 'to take a photo.' Note the specific kanji 撮 for 'toru.' If you want to ask someone to take a photo of you, you would use the polite request form: しゃしんを撮ってもらえますか？ (Shashin o totte moraemasu ka?).

ここでしゃしんを撮ってもいいですか？ (Koko de shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?) - Is it okay to take a photo here?

Another common use case is showing photos to others. For this, use the verb 見せる (miseru). For example, 'Shashin o misete kudasai' (Please show me the photo). If you are sending a photo via a messaging app like LINE, you use 送る (okuru): 'Shashin o okurimasu' (I will send the photo).

Common Particles
o (を): Marks the photo as the object (taking/showing/sending).
no (の): Used for possession or description (my photo: watashi no shashin; travel photo: ryokou no shashin).
ni (に): Used for destination (upload to the internet: netto ni upu suru).

In professional or formal settings, you might encounter 'shashin' in compound words. 証明写真 (shoumei shashin) refers to ID photos used for passports or resumes. In these cases, the 'shashin' is not just a memory but a legal document. When discussing the quality of a photo, you can use adjectives like 鮮明な (senmei na - clear) or ぼやけた (boyaketa - blurry).

You will hear しゃしん in almost every corner of Japanese life. At tourist spots like Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji or Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing, the air is filled with 'Shashin o torimashou ka?' (Shall I take a photo for you?) as helpful strangers offer to assist. In retail, specifically electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera, the word is ubiquitous in the camera section, often heard in discussions about 'shashin no shitsu' (photo quality) or 'shashin no insatsu' (photo printing).

「すみません、しゃしんをお願いできますか？」 (Sumimasen, shashin o onegai dekimasu ka?) - Excuse me, could you take a photo for me?

In schools and offices, 'shashin' is used when discussing yearbooks (sotsugyou arubamu) or corporate profiles. On social media platforms like Instagram (often called 'Insta' in Japan), the word is frequently replaced by 'toukou' (post), but 'shashin' remains the base term for the content itself. You'll also hear it in news reports concerning 'shouko shashin' (evidence photos) or 'houdou shashin' (press photography).

Daily Life Scenarios
At a Restaurant: 'Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?' (Can I take a photo of the food?) - a very common polite inquiry in Japan.
At a Family Gathering: 'Shashin o toru yo! Atsumatte!' (I'm taking a photo! Everyone gather round!)

The most frequent mistake for beginners is confusing しゃしん (shashin) with え (e). While both can be 'pictures' in English, 'e' refers to drawings, paintings, or illustrations. If you say you 'took an e,' a Japanese person will be confused because you cannot 'take' (toru) a drawing in the same way you capture a photo.

  • Incorrect: えを撮る (E o toru) - To take a drawing.
  • Correct: しゃしんを撮る (Shashin o toru) - To take a photo.
  • Correct: えを描く (E o kaku) - To draw a picture.

Another mistake involves the verb 'to take.' English speakers often want to use 'motsu' (to hold/carry) or 'tsukau' (to use). Remember that 'toru' (撮る) is the dedicated verb for photography. Additionally, learners often forget the particle 'o' (を). While 'shashin toru' is acceptable in very casual speech, 'shashin o toru' is the grammatically correct form.

There are several words related to しゃしん that learners should distinguish to improve their precision. The most common is 画像 (gazou), which means 'image' or 'graphic.' While 'shashin' is specifically a photo, 'gazou' is a broader term used for digital images, computer graphics, or screenshots.

映像 (eizou)
Refers to video, film, or projected images. Use this for movies or TV broadcasts.
風景 (fuukei)
Means 'scenery' or 'landscape.' You take a 'shashin' of a 'fuukei.'
自撮り (jidori)
A 'selfie.' This is a specific type of 'shashin.'

In professional contexts, you might hear スナップ (sunappu), which refers to a 'snapshot' or a candid photo. There is also ポートレート (pootoreeto) for portraits. Understanding these distinctions helps you sound more natural. For instance, if you are talking about a picture on a website that isn't a photo (like a logo), you should use 'gazou' instead of 'shashin.'

How Formal Is It?

격식체

""

비격식체

""

난이도

알아야 할 문법

수준별 예문

1

これはわたしのしゃしんです。

This is my photo.

Possessive particle 'no' connects 'watashi' and 'shashin'.

2

しゃしんを見せてください。

Please show me the photo.

'-te kudasai' is used for polite requests.

3

だれのしゃしんですか？

Whose photo is it?

'Dare no' means 'whose'.

4

かぞくのしゃしんです。

It is a family photo.

Noun + no + Noun structure.

5

しゃしんがすきです。

I like photos.

'ga suki' marks the object of liking.

6

これは犬のしゃしんです。

This is a photo of a dog.

Simple A wa B desu sentence.

7

しゃしんはどこですか？

Where is the photo?

'doko desu ka' asks for location.

8

きれいなしゃしんですね。

It's a beautiful photo, isn't it?

'ne' is a sentence-ending particle for agreement.

1

ここでしゃしんを撮ってもいいですか？

Is it okay to take a photo here?

'-te mo ii desu ka' asks for permission.

2

いっしょにしゃしんを撮りましょう。

Let's take a photo together.

'-mashou' indicates a suggestion/invitation.

3

旅行のしゃしんをたくさん撮りました。

I took many photos of the trip.

'takusan' (many) modifies the verb 'torimashita'.

4

このしゃしんはあまりよくないです。

This photo is not very good.

'amari' + negative adjective means 'not very'.

5

母にしゃしんを送りました。

I sent a photo to my mother.

Particle 'ni' marks the recipient.

6

しゃしんを撮るのが下手です。

I am bad at taking photos.

'no ga' nominalizes the phrase 'shashin o toru'.

7

有名なしゃしんを見に行きました。

I went to see a famous photo.

'ni ikimashita' indicates purpose of movement.

8

しゃしんをプリントしたいです。

I want to print the photos.

'-tai' expresses desire.

1

しゃしんに写っている人はだれですか？

Who is the person appearing in the photo?

'utsutte iru' is the continuous form of 'utsuru' (to be in a photo).

2

子供のころのしゃしんを見ると、懐かしいです。

When I look at photos from my childhood, I feel nostalgic.

The '~to' conditional expresses a natural consequence.

3

しゃしんを撮る前に、準備をしてください。

Please prepare before taking the photo.

'mae ni' means 'before'.

4

このしゃしんは、プロが撮ったみたいですね。

This photo looks like it was taken by a professional.

'mitai' expresses a resemblance or appearance.

5

しゃしんを整理するのは大変です。

Organizing photos is a lot of work.

'seiri suru' means to organize or tidy up.

6

SNSにしゃしんを載せてもいい？

Is it okay if I post the photo on social media?

Casual form of 'nosete mo ii desu ka'.

7

しゃしんの背景をぼかしたいです。

I want to blur the background of the photo.

'haikei' means background; 'bokasu' means to blur.

8

もっと明るいところでしゃしんを撮りましょう。

Let's take a photo in a brighter place.

'motto' means 'more'.

1

この写真は、当時の生活をよく表しています。

This photo well represents the life of that time.

'arawashite imasu' means 'is representing/expressing'.

2

光の加減で、写真の印象がずいぶん変わります。

The impression of a photo changes considerably depending on the light.

'~de' indicates the cause or means.

3

許可なく写真を撮ることは禁じられています。

Taking photos without permission is prohibited.

'kyoka naku' means 'without permission'.

4

彼は写真家としての才能がある。

He has talent as a photographer.

'~to shite' means 'as' or 'in the capacity of'.

5

この写真は少し加工されているようです。

It seems this photo has been edited a bit.

'kakou saretieru' is the passive form of 'to process/edit'.

6

集合写真を撮るので、真ん中に集まってください。

We are taking a group photo, so please gather in the center.

'shuugou shashin' is a group photo.

7

写真の構図を考えるのは楽しいです。

Thinking about the composition of a photo is fun.

'kouzu' means composition.

8

古い写真をデジタル化して保存しました。

I digitized and saved the old photos.

'dejitaru-ka' means digitization.

1

写真は、真実を写し出す鏡のような存在だ。

Photography is like a mirror that reflects the truth.

Metaphorical use of 'kagami' (mirror).

2

報道写真には、言葉以上の説得力がある。

Press photography has a persuasive power beyond words.

'~ijou no' means 'more than'.

3

肖像権の問題で、その写真は公開できなかった。

Due to portrait rights issues, that photo could not be made public.

'shouzouken' refers to the right to one's own image.

4

彼の写真は、一瞬の静寂を見事に切り取っている。

His photos brilliantly capture a moment of silence.

'kiritoru' (to cut out) is used here to mean 'to capture'.

5

デジタル技術の進歩により、写真の定義が揺らいでいる。

With the advancement of digital technology, the definition of photography is wavering.

'~ni yori' indicates the cause/reason.

6

写真は、撮り手の主観が強く反映されるメディアである。

Photography is a medium in which the photographer's subjectivity is strongly reflected.

'torite' refers to the person taking the photo.

7

その写真は、見る者に強烈な違和感を与える。

That photo gives the viewer a strong sense of unease.

'iwakan' means a sense of something being wrong or out of place.

8

露出を調整することで、写真の雰囲気をコントロールできる。

By adjusting the exposure, you can control the atmosphere of the photo.

'roshutsu' means exposure.

1

写真という媒体が内包する「虚構性」について論じる。

Discussing the 'fictionality' inherent in the medium of photography.

'naihou suru' means to involve or contain inherently.

2

写真は単なる記録ではなく、記憶の再構築である。

Photography is not merely a record, but a reconstruction of memory.

'saikouchiku' means reconstruction.

3

その写真は、被写体の深淵に迫るような鋭さを持っていた。

The photo had a sharpness that seemed to approach the abyss of the subject.

'hishatai' means the subject of the photo.

4

写真のデジタル化は、情報の永続性と脆弱性を同時にもたらした。

The digitization of photography brought about both the permanence and fragility of information.

'eizokusei' (permanence) and 'zeijakusei' (fragility).

5

写真家は、ファインダー越しに世界を再定義する。

Photographers redefine the world through the viewfinder.

'~goshi ni' means 'through' or 'across'.

6

その写真は、時代精神を象徴するアイコンとなった。

That photo became an icon symbolizing the zeitgeist.

'jidai seishin' is the German 'Zeitgeist'.

7

銀塩写真特有の質感は、デジタルでは再現しがたい。

The texture unique to silver halide (film) photography is difficult to reproduce digitally.

'~gatai' means 'difficult to do'.

8

写真は、不在を証明すると同時に、存在を強調する矛盾した存在だ。

Photography is a contradictory existence that proves absence while simultaneously emphasizing presence.

'mujun' means contradiction.

자주 쓰는 조합

写真を撮る (take a photo)
写真を送る (send a photo)
写真を見る (look at a photo)
写真に写る (appear in a photo)
写真を現像する (develop a photo)
写真を加工する (edit a photo)
写真を整理する (organize photos)
写真がぼける (photo is blurry)
写真が鮮明だ (photo is clear)
写真を飾る (display a photo)

자주 쓰는 구문

写真を撮ってもいいですか？ (Can I take a photo?)

一緒に写真を撮りましょう。 (Let's take a photo together.)

写真を送ってください。 (Please send me the photo.)

これは誰の写真ですか？ (Whose photo is this?)

写真写りがいいですね。 (You are photogenic.)

写真をプリントする (to print photos)

写真をアップロードする (to upload photos)

証明写真 (ID photo)

集合写真 (group photo)

記念写真 (commemorative photo)

자주 혼동되는 단어

しゃしん vs 絵 (e)

しゃしん vs 鏡 (kagami)

しゃしん vs カメラ (kamera)

관용어 및 표현

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

혼동하기 쉬운

しゃしん vs 画像 (gazou)

しゃしん vs 映像 (eizou)

しゃしん vs 図 (zu)

しゃしん vs イラスト (irasuto)

しゃしん vs 風景 (fuukei)

문장 패턴

어휘 가족

관련

사용법

politeness

Adding 'o' (oshashin) makes it more respectful, common in service industries.

digital vs print

Shashin refers to both, but 'gazou' is preferred for purely digital files in technical talk.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 'toru' (取る) instead of 'toru' (撮る) in writing.
  • Saying 'e o toru' when you mean 'take a photo'.
  • Forgetting the particle 'o' in 'shashin o toru'.
  • Confusing 'shashin' (the photo) with 'kamera' (the device).
  • Using 'shashin' to refer to a video clip.

팁

Verb Choice

Always use 撮る (toru) for taking photos. Using other 'toru' kanji like 取る is a common writing mistake.

Privacy

Always ask before taking photos of people. Japanese privacy laws and social norms are very strict about 'shouzouken'.

Polite Requests

Use 'Shashin o totte itadakemasu ka?' for a very polite request to a stranger.

Compound Words

Learn 'shashin-shuu' (photo book) if you like looking at professional photography collections.

Tagging

When posting, use the hashtag #写真好きな人と繋がりたい to connect with Japanese photography enthusiasts.

Kanji Practice

The kanji for 'shin' (真) is also in 'shinjitsu' (truth). Remembering this helps you understand the 'truth' aspect of photography.

Context Clues

If you hear 'shashin' and 'SNS', the person is likely talking about posting or sharing photos online.

Technical Terms

If you are into photography, learn 'pin-boke' which means the photo is out of focus.

Offering Help

If you see tourists struggling to take a group photo, say 'Shashin o torimashou ka?' to be helpful.

Daily Practice

Label your digital photo albums in Japanese to reinforce the word 'shashin' and related categories.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a **SHA**rp **SHIN**y camera taking a **SHASHIN**.

어원

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

문화적 맥락

A popular Japanese 'print club' photo booth that allows for heavy editing and stickers.

Portrait rights are strictly enforced in Japanese media and social media.

Japan is home to world-leading camera brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony, making photography a popular national hobby.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"最近、何かいい写真を撮りましたか？ (Have you taken any good photos lately?)"

"あなたのスマートフォンの壁紙の写真は、どこで撮ったものですか？ (Where was the photo on your smartphone wallpaper taken?)"

"写真を撮るのが好きですか？ (Do you like taking photos?)"

"おすすめの撮影スポットはありますか？ (Do you have any recommended photo spots?)"

"この写真、SNSに載せても大丈夫ですか？ (Is it okay to post this photo on social media?)"

일기 주제

今日撮った写真について書いてください。 (Write about a photo you took today.)

あなたにとって一番大切な写真は何ですか？ (What is the most important photo to you?)

写真を撮る時、何を一番大切にしていますか？ (What do you value most when taking a photo?)

10年後の自分に見せたい写真はどんな写真ですか？ (What kind of photo do you want to show your self 10 years from now?)

デジタル写真とフィルム写真、どちらが好きですか？ (Which do you like better, digital or film photos?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

'Shashin' is a photograph taken with a camera. 'E' is a picture that is drawn or painted by hand. You use 'toru' for shashin and 'kaku' for e.

You should say 'Shashin o totte moraemasu ka?' or more simply 'Shashin o totte kudasai?' It is polite to bow slightly when asking.

No, for video you should use 'douga' or 'eizou'. 'Shashin' is strictly for still images.

It is 'shashin o toru' (to take a photo). 'Tsukuru' means to make, which is not used for the act of photography.

It means 'photographer'. The suffix '-ka' is used for professionals or experts in a specific field.

The most common word is 'jidori' (自撮り). You can also say 'serufu-shotto' but 'jidori' is much more common.

It depends on the temple. Look for signs that say 'Satsuei Kinshi' (Photography Prohibited). When in doubt, ask a staff member.

It is an identification photo, like the ones used for passports, driver's licenses, or job applications.

The verb is 'genzou suru' (現像する). This is used for film photography.

Not directly. You must use 'shashin o toru' or 'satsuei suru'. In very rare cases 'shashin-suru' exists but it's not standard.

셀프 테스트 180 질문

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

관련 콘텐츠

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