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撮影する

A2 verb #3,000 most common 7 min read

撮影する

satsuei suru Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 撮影する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 撮影する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn the word 撮る (toru) first. However, you will see 撮影 (satsuei) on signs in Japan very early on. For example, '撮影禁止' (Satsuei Kinshi) means 'No Photos.' At this level, just remember that 撮影する (satsuei suru) is a more formal way to say 'to take a photo' or 'to film.' You can use it when you want to ask for permission in a polite way, like '撮影してもいいですか？' (May I take a photo/film?). It is a Suru-verb, so you use it like 'shimasu' or 'shiteimasu.' Think of it as the 'official' word for using a camera.

At the A2 level, you should start using 撮影する when talking about hobbies like photography or making videos for YouTube. You can describe what you are doing more precisely. Instead of just saying 'I took a photo,' you can say 'I filmed a video of my cat' (猫の動画を撮影しました). You also begin to understand compound words like 撮影場所 (satsuei basho - filming location). This word is useful because it covers both photos and videos, making your Japanese sound more mature and organized. You will also notice it used in news reports about the weather or events.

At the B1 level, you should understand the distinction between 撮影 (capturing a scene) and 録画 (recording a signal). You can use 撮影する in passive sentences, like 'I was filmed by a TV crew' (テレビの取材班に撮影されました). You also start using it in more complex grammar patterns, such as 'While filming...' (撮影しているうちに...). It is important to use this word in professional settings, such as job interviews or business meetings, if the topic of media or documentation comes up. It shows a higher register of Japanese than the basic 撮る.

At the B2 level, 撮影する is used in technical and artistic discussions. You might talk about 撮影技術 (satsuei gijutsu - filming/photography technique) or 撮影監督 (satsuei kantoku - cinematographer). You understand nuances like how lighting and angles affect the 撮影. You can also use it in formal writing, such as reports or articles, to describe how data or visual evidence was collected. You should be comfortable using various forms like 撮影予定 (planned filming) or 撮影済み (already filmed). It becomes a tool for discussing the process of media creation, not just the action.

At the C1 level, you use 撮影する within the context of legal, ethical, and professional frameworks. You might discuss 肖像権 (shōzōken - portrait rights) in relation to 撮影する or the ethics of 隠し撮り (kakushidori - secret filming). You can analyze the 撮影手法 (satsuei shuhō - filming methods) of a famous director or the impact of high-speed 撮影 in scientific research. You use the word with precision, distinguishing it from related terms like 収める (osameru - to capture/store) or 描写する (byōsha suru - to depict). Your usage reflects a deep understanding of the professional media landscape in Japan.

At the C2 level, 撮影する is a fundamental term used in highly specialized fields. Whether you are working in the film industry, medical imaging, or satellite surveillance, you use this word to describe the sophisticated capture of visual data. You can engage in complex debates about the philosophy of 'capturing the image' (影を撮る) and how digital technology has changed the essence of 撮影. You are also aware of archaic or highly literary synonyms used in classical film criticism. Your command of the word allows you to navigate any professional environment, from a high-end fashion shoot to a surgical operating room using endoscopic filming.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

撮影する in 30 Seconds

Formal verb for taking photos or filming video.
Commonly seen on 'No Photography' (撮影禁止) signs.
Used in professional, medical, and artistic contexts.
Implies a deliberate 'shoot' rather than a casual snap.

The Japanese verb 撮影する (satsuei suru) is a formal and technical term used to describe the act of capturing images, whether they are still photographs or moving videos. While beginners often learn the simpler verb 撮る (toru) first, 撮影する is the standard term used in professional, artistic, and formal contexts. It combines the kanji 撮 (satsu), meaning to take a photo or pinch, with 影 (ei), meaning shadow or reflection. Together, they literally mean 'to capture the shadow'—a poetic way of describing photography and cinematography.

Professional Context: In the film and television industry, this is the primary verb for 'filming' or 'shooting.' If a director says 'Satsuei kaishi!' they are saying 'Start filming!'

映画のロケ地で撮影するのは大変です。(Filming at a movie location is difficult.)

Technical Nuance: It is used for medical imaging like X-rays (レントゲン撮影) or MRI scans, where 'taking a picture' sounds too casual for a medical procedure.

In everyday life, you will see signs that say 撮影禁止 (satsuei kinshi), which means 'No Photography' or 'No Filming.' This is much more common than seeing 撮るな (toru na). Understanding this word helps you navigate public spaces in Japan, as it covers both cameras and smartphones. Whether you are talking about a professional photographer capturing a landscape or a student filming a TikTok, 撮影する provides a level of precision that signals you understand the 'act' of production rather than just the 'snap' of a shutter.

この場所は撮影するのに最高のスポットだ。(This place is the best spot for filming/photography.)

Social Media Usage: Influencers often use this word when talking about 'recording content' (動画を撮影する) because it implies a deliberate effort to create media.

Furthermore, the word is indispensable in legal and journalistic contexts. When a news report mentions 'the camera captured the moment,' they use 撮影. It implies an objective recording of reality. This makes it a high-frequency word in news broadcasts, documentaries, and formal announcements. For an English speaker, think of 撮影する as 'to conduct a shoot' or 'to engage in filming.' It encompasses the setup, the lighting, and the technical execution, whereas 撮る is simply the result of the action.

Using 撮影する effectively requires understanding its role as a Suru-verb. It takes the direct object particle を (wo) to indicate what is being filmed or photographed. Because it is a formal word, it is frequently used in its polite form 撮影します (satsuei shimasu) or the humble/honorific forms in professional settings.

結婚式の様子をビデオで撮影する。(To film the wedding ceremony on video.)

Grammar Tip: Particle で (de): Use で to specify the equipment. For example: ドローンで撮影する (To film with a drone) or 一眼レフで撮影する (To photograph with a DSLR).

One of the most common sentence patterns involves the passive form, 撮影される (satsuei sareru), meaning 'to be filmed' or 'to be photographed.' This is common when talking about celebrities or being caught on security cameras. For instance, 防犯カメラに撮影される means 'to be caught on a security camera.' Note that with the passive form, the source (the camera or the person) is often marked by に (ni).

許可なく他人の顔を撮影するのは控えましょう。(Refrain from photographing other people's faces without permission.)

In academic or professional reports, you might see 撮影を行う (satsuei wo okonau), which is a more formal way of saying 'to conduct photography/filming.' This is common in research papers or official event summaries. If you are a student, you might say 課題のために動画を撮影しています (I am filming a video for my assignment). The versatility of 撮影する allows it to fit into both creative and technical narratives seamlessly. Unlike the English 'take a picture,' 撮影する doesn't just mean pushing a button; it implies the whole process of capturing media.

The 'Why' (Purpose): Use the ~ために (tame ni) construction: 記録を残すために撮影する (To film in order to keep a record).

You will encounter 撮影する in many real-world scenarios in Japan. First and foremost, you will hear it at tourist attractions. Many temples, museums, and shops have signs that say 撮影禁止 (No Photography) or 撮影はご遠慮ください (Please refrain from photography). In these cases, 撮影 is the noun form, but the action implied is 撮影する.

店内の商品を撮影する際は、店員の許可を得てください。(When photographing products in the store, please get permission from the staff.)

On television, during 'behind the scenes' (メイキング) segments, you will constantly hear the crew and actors talking about the 撮影現場 (satsuei genba - the filming site). A presenter might say, 'We are currently filming in Kyoto' (今、京都で撮影しています). In the world of YouTube and TikTok, Japanese creators often start their videos by explaining where or why they are filming: '今日は公園で撮影しています' (Today I am filming at the park).

Another common place is the hospital. If you need an X-ray, the technician will say, 'これからレントゲンを撮影します' (We will now take the X-ray). This sounds professional and reassuring. In business meetings, if someone wants to record the meeting for those who couldn't attend, they might ask, 'この会議を撮影してもよろしいでしょうか？' (Would it be okay to film/record this meeting?). As you can see, 撮影する is the 'adult' version of taking pictures or video, used whenever the situation requires a bit of formality or technical accuracy.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is overusing 撮影する in casual situations where 撮る (toru) would be more natural. If you are just hanging out with friends and want to take a quick selfie, saying 撮影しよう (Satsuei shiyou) sounds a bit like you are starting a professional photo shoot. It’s not 'wrong,' but it’s very stiff.

Mistake 1: Confusing 撮影 with 録画: While 撮影する can mean filming, 録画する (rokuga suru) specifically refers to recording a video signal, like recording a TV show or a Zoom call on your computer. Use 撮影 when a camera is physically capturing a scene.

❌ テレビ番組を撮影する (Filming a TV show with a camera)
✅ テレビ番組を録画する (Recording a TV show via the device)

Another mistake is the particle usage. Some learners use に (ni) instead of を (wo) for the object. Remember: [Object] を撮影する. If you use に, it usually indicates the location or the medium (like a security camera capturing you). Also, be careful with the kanji. 撮 (satsu) and 録 (roku) look similar at a glance because they both involve recording, but 撮 has the 'hand' radical (扌) because you traditionally 'handle' a camera, while 録 has the 'gold/metal' radical (金).

Lastly, remember that 撮影する is a Suru-verb. You cannot just say 'Satsuei' as a verb. It must be 'Satsuei suru' or 'Satsuei shimasu.' In very casual Japanese, you might hear people use the noun 'Satsuei' alone (e.g., 'Satsuei chū' - currently filming), but in a sentence, the verb is required. Avoid using it for 'drawing' or 'painting'—that is always 描く (kaku).

There are several words related to capturing images and video that you should distinguish from 撮影する. Choosing the right one depends on the medium and the level of formality.

撮る (Toru): The most common, everyday word for taking a photo or filming. Use this with friends and family. It is the broad umbrella term that 撮影する falls under.
録画する (Rokuga suru): Specifically for recording video/moving images onto a medium (disk, tape, cloud). Use this for recording TV or screen-capturing a video call.
録音する (Rokuon suru): Specifically for recording sound or audio. 撮影 does not cover audio-only situations.
写す (Utsusu): Often used for copying or reflecting. In photography, it emphasizes the act of 'projecting' or 'capturing' the likeness of something onto film/sensor. It's more poetic.

風景をカメラに収める (To capture a landscape in the camera/frame - a literary alternative).

In professional cinematography, you might also hear 収録する (shūroku suru), which means to record a program or a performance for later broadcast. This is common in radio and TV studios. While 撮影 focuses on the visual capture, 収録 focuses on the entire session being recorded for a specific purpose. For English speakers, 撮影する is the safest bet for 'filming' or 'professional photography' in almost any formal context. If you want to sound like a pro photographer, you might even say シャッターを切る (shattā wo kiru), literally 'to cut the shutter,' which means to snap the photo at the perfect moment.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 影 (shadow) was used because early photography was seen as capturing the 'shadow' or 'spirit' of the subject. This poetic origin remains in the word today.

Pronunciation Guide

UK sa.tsɯ.eː sɯ.ɾɯ

US sɑː.tsu.eɪ suː.ruː

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. 'Satsuei' typically has a low-high-high-high pattern.

Rhymes With

Hatsumei (Invention) Teinei (Polite) Kamei (Joining) Unei (Management) Keiei (Management) Zenmei (Full name) Shoumei (Proof/Lighting) Koumei (Famous)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ei' as two separate sounds instead of a long 'e'.
Pronouncing 'tsu' like 'su'.
Mixing up 'satsuei' with 'setsuei' (which means setting up equipment).
Forgetting the 'u' in 'suru' is often whispered/devoiced.
Adding an English-style 'r' to 'ru'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji 撮 is slightly complex for beginners but 影 is common.

Writing 4/5

Writing 撮 (15 strokes) and 影 (15 strokes) requires practice.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Clear phonetic profile makes it easy to distinguish.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

撮る (Toru) 写真 (Shashin) カメラ (Kamera) 動画 (Douga) 映画 (Eiga)

Learn Next

録画する (Rokuga suru) 編集する (Henshuu suru) 放送する (Housou suru) 制作する (Seisaku suru) 公開する (Koukai suru)

Advanced

構図 (Kouzu - Composition) 露出 (Roshitsu - Exposure) 被写界深度 (Hishakai shindo - Depth of field) 照明 (Shoumei - Lighting) 録音 (Rokuon - Audio recording)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

撮影する、勉強する、練習する

Passive Voice (れる/られる)

撮影される (To be filmed)

Potential Voice (できる)

撮影できる (Can film)

Causative Voice (させる)

撮影させる (To make someone film)

Noun + 中 (chū)

撮影中 (Currently filming)

Examples by Level

ここで撮影してもいいですか？

May I take photos/film here?

~てもいいですか is a polite way to ask for permission.

写真を撮影します。

I will take a photograph.

Direct object を is used before the verb.

撮影は禁止です。

Photography/filming is prohibited.

撮影 here is used as a noun.

スマホで撮影しました。

I filmed/photographed it with my smartphone.

で indicates the tool or instrument used.

きれいに撮影できました。

I was able to photograph it beautifully.

できました is the potential past form of suru.

先生を撮影しました。

I took a photo/video of the teacher.

The person being filmed is the direct object.

公園で撮影しましょう。

Let's film/take photos at the park.

しましょう is the 'let's' form.

動画を撮影しています。

I am filming a video.

しています indicates an ongoing action.

YouTubeのために動画を撮影する。

To film a video for YouTube.

~のために indicates the purpose.

昨日は一日中撮影していました。

I was filming all day yesterday.

一日中 means 'all day long'.

このカメラは暗い場所でも撮影できる。

This camera can film even in dark places.

できる is the potential form.

結婚式の様子を撮影した。

I filmed the state of the wedding.

様子 (yousu) means 'state' or 'manner'.

撮影の前に準備が必要です。

Preparation is necessary before filming.

撮影の前 (satsuei no mae) uses the noun form.

友達に撮影を頼みました。

I asked my friend to do the filming.

頼む (tanomu) means 'to ask a favor'.

富士山をきれいに撮影したいです。

I want to photograph Mount Fuji beautifully.

たい indicates desire.

撮影した動画を編集します。

I will edit the video I filmed.

撮影した is a relative clause modifying 動画.

映画の撮影は来月から始まります。

The filming of the movie starts next month.

始まります (hajimarimasu) is intransitive.

ドローンを使って空から撮影する。

To film from the sky using a drone.

を使って (wo tsukatte) means 'using'.

撮影中に雨が降り始めました。

It started raining during the filming.

中 (chū) means 'during' or 'in the middle of'.

防犯カメラが犯人を撮影していた。

The security camera was filming the criminal.

防犯カメラ (bouhan kamera) is a security camera.

彼はプロのカメラマンに撮影された。

He was photographed by a professional photographer.

撮影された is the passive form.

撮影許可を取るのに時間がかかった。

It took time to get the filming permission.

許可を取る (kyoka wo toru) means 'to get permission'.

この映画は全編ニューヨークで撮影された。

This entire movie was filmed in New York.

全編 (zenpen) means 'the whole film'.

料理を美味しく撮影するコツを教えてください。

Please tell me the tips for photographing food to look delicious.

コツ (kotsu) means 'knack' or 'tip'.

撮影現場の雰囲気はとても良かったです。

The atmosphere at the filming site was very good.

撮影現場 (satsuei genba) is the filming location/set.

最新の技術を駆使して撮影を行う。

To conduct filming by making full use of the latest technology.

を駆使して (wo kushite) means 'making full use of'.

光の加減によって撮影の仕方が変わります。

The way of filming changes depending on the light conditions.

によって (ni yotte) means 'depending on'.

ドキュメンタリー番組のために現地で撮影する。

To film on-site for a documentary program.

現地 (genchi) means 'on-site' or 'the actual place'.

撮影された映像を慎重にチェックする。

To carefully check the filmed footage.

映像 (eizou) refers to video footage/images.

このカメラは4Kでの撮影が可能です。

This camera is capable of filming in 4K.

可能 (kanou) means 'possible'.

撮影スタッフとの打ち合わせを重ねる。

To have repeated meetings with the filming staff.

打ち合わせを重ねる means 'to have many meetings'.

プライバシーに配慮して撮影しなければならない。

We must film while considering privacy.

配慮して (hairyo shite) means 'considering/giving thought to'.

著作権の問題で、撮影が制限される場合がある。

Due to copyright issues, filming may be restricted in some cases.

制限される (seigen sareru) is the passive form of 'to restrict'.

監督は独自の視点で被写体を撮影する。

The director films the subject from a unique perspective.

被写体 (hishatai) is the subject of a photo/film.

長時間にわたる撮影で、スタッフは疲弊していた。

The staff was exhausted from the filming that spanned many hours.

にわたる indicates a span of time or space.

高度な撮影技術が要求されるプロジェクトだ。

It is a project that requires advanced filming techniques.

要求される (youkyu sareru) means 'to be required'.

撮影機材の運搬には細心の注意を払う必要がある。

It is necessary to pay the utmost attention to the transport of filming equipment.

細心の注意を払う is an idiom for 'paying meticulous attention'.

事件の決定的な瞬間を撮影することに成功した。

Succeeded in filming the decisive moment of the incident.

ことに成功した means 'succeeded in doing'.

その映画は、ドキュメンタリー手法で撮影されている。

That movie is filmed using a documentary technique.

手法 (shuhou) means 'technique' or 'method'.

撮影許可申請の手続きは非常に煩雑だ。

The procedure for applying for a filming permit is extremely complicated.

煩雑 (hanzatsu) means 'complicated/troublesome'.

深海探査艇を用いて、未知の生物を撮影する。

To film unknown creatures using a deep-sea exploration vessel.

を用いて (wo mochiite) is a formal version of 'using'.

撮影監督は、色彩設計に基づいたライティングを指示した。

The cinematographer instructed lighting based on the color design.

に基づいた (ni motozuita) means 'based on'.

肉眼では捉えきれない現象を、高速カメラで撮影する。

To film phenomena that cannot be fully captured by the naked eye with a high-speed camera.

捉えきれない means 'cannot fully capture'.

撮影に伴う倫理的課題について、議論を深める。

To deepen the discussion regarding ethical issues accompanying filming.

に伴う (ni tomonau) means 'accompanying' or 'involved with'.

歴史的建造物の修復過程を詳細に撮影し、記録にとどめる。

To film the restoration process of a historical building in detail and keep it as a record.

にとどめる means 'to keep/remain in'.

その映像は、特殊なフィルターを介して撮影されたものだ。

That footage was filmed through a special filter.

を介して (wo kaishite) means 'through' or 'via'.

撮影時の気象条件が、作品のトーンを決定づけた。

The weather conditions at the time of filming determined the tone of the work.

決定づけた (ketteizugeta) means 'decided' or 'defined'.

遠隔操作によって、危険な火山活動を撮影することに挑む。

To attempt to film dangerous volcanic activity via remote control.

挑む (idomu) means 'to challenge' or 'to attempt'.

Common Collocations

動画を撮影する

写真を撮影する

ドローンで撮影する

許可を得て撮影する

隠れて撮影する

スタジオで撮影する

ロケ地で撮影する

レントゲンを撮影する

記念に撮影する

無断で撮影する

Common Phrases

撮影禁止

— No photography/filming. You will see this everywhere in Japan.

美術館の中は撮影禁止です。

撮影中

— Currently filming. Used on sets or by YouTubers.

ただいま撮影中です。お静かに。

撮影現場

— The filming location or set.

撮影現場を見学しました。

撮影許可

— Filming/Photography permission.

撮影許可を申請する必要があります。

撮影協力

— Filming cooperation (often seen in credits).

撮影協力：〇〇市役所

撮影機材

— Filming/Photography equipment.

撮影機材を車に積む。

撮影スタッフ

— The filming crew.

撮影スタッフが準備をしている。

撮影済み

— Already filmed/captured.

このシーンは撮影済みです。

撮影依頼

— A request for a shoot.

カメラマンに撮影依頼を送る。

撮影ポイント

— A good spot for taking photos.

ここが絶好の撮影ポイントだ。

Often Confused With

撮影する vs 録画する

Recording a signal (like TV) vs. using a camera lens.

撮影する vs 設営する (Setsuei)

Sounds similar but means 'to set up' equipment or a tent.

撮影する vs 写す (Utsusu)

A broader word for reflecting or copying, less technical than 撮影.

Idioms & Expressions

"ファインダー越しに撮影する"

— To film/photograph through the viewfinder. Often implies a specific artistic distance.

彼は世界をファインダー越しに撮影する。

Artistic

"一瞬を撮影する"

— To capture a fleeting moment.

奇跡の一瞬を撮影した。

Journalistic

"ありのままを撮影する"

— To film/photograph things exactly as they are.

自然のありのままを撮影したい。

Documentary

"隠し撮りする"

— To film/photograph secretly (candid or voyeuristic).

芸能人を隠し撮りするのは良くない。

Informal

"自撮りする"

— To take a selfie (self-撮影).

鏡の前で自撮りする。

Slang

"撮り鉄"

— A train enthusiast who specializes in photography (noun based on the verb).

彼は有名な撮り鉄だ。

Subculture

"撮影を敢行する"

— To carry out a shoot despite difficult conditions.

嵐の中で撮影を敢行した。

Formal

"レンズに収める"

— To capture in the lens (synonymous with 撮影する).

街の活気をレンズに収める。

Literary

"撮影に臨む"

— To face/attend a shoot (implies focus and readiness).

真剣な表情で撮影に臨む。

Professional

"撮影が難航する"

— Filming is running into difficulties.

天候不良で撮影が難航している。

Formal

Easily Confused

撮影する vs 録音する

Both relate to recording.

Rokuon is for sound only; Satsuei is for images/video.

声を録音する vs 姿を撮影する

撮影する vs 描写する

Both involve 'capturing' a scene.

Byousha is 'to depict' via words or art; Satsuei is via a camera.

心理を描写する vs 景色を撮影する

撮影する vs 記録する

Satsuei is a form of recording.

Kiroku is 'to record' in general (data, text, etc.); Satsuei is visual.

タイムを記録する vs ゴールを撮影する

撮影する vs 複写する

Both involve copying an image.

Fukusha is 'to photocopy' or duplicate a document; Satsuei is taking a photo.

書類を複写する vs 書類を撮影する

撮影する vs 収録する

Both are used in TV production.

Shuuroku is the entire session recording; Satsuei is the visual capture part.

番組を収録する vs ドラマを撮影する

Sentence Patterns

[Object] を撮影します。

花を撮影します。

[Location] で撮影します。

海で撮影します。

[Tool] を使って撮影します。

三脚を使って撮影します。

[Person] に撮影されました。

記者に撮影されました。

[Purpose] のために撮影を行う。

調査のために撮影を行う。

撮影が [Verb-stem] づらい。

ここは暗くて撮影しづらい。

撮影に伴い、[Consequence]。

撮影に伴い、通行が制限されます。

撮影手法を [Noun] に求める。

撮影手法をリアリズムに求める。

Word Family

Nouns

撮影 (Satsuei - Photography/Filming)

撮影者 (Satsueisha - Photographer/Filmer)

撮影所 (Satsueijo - Film Studio)

撮影機 (Satsueiki - Camera/Equipment)

Verbs

撮影される (Satsuei sareru - To be filmed)

撮影させる (Satsuei saseru - To make someone film)

Adjectives

撮影可能な (Satsuei kanou na - Photographicaly possible/allowed)

写真 (Shashin - Photo)

映画 (Eiga - Movie)

録画 (Rokuga - Video recording)

現像 (Genzou - Developing)

編集 (Henshuu - Editing)

How to Use It

frequency

High in media, journalism, tourism, and medical fields.

Common Mistakes

Using 撮影する for recording a podcast. → 録音する (Rokuon suru).
Satsuei is specifically for visual media. Audio-only recording requires Rokuon.
Saying 'Shashin wo satsuei shite kudasai' to a stranger. → 写真を撮ってもらえますか？ (Shashin wo totte moraemasu ka?)
撮影 is too formal for asking a random person to take your photo. Use 撮る.
Using 撮影する for a computer screen capture. → スクリーンショットを撮る / 録画する.
Satsuei implies an external camera lens capturing a scene. For internal screen recording, use Rokuga.
Confusing 撮影 (Satsuei) with 設営 (Setsuei). → 撮影 (Satsuei).
Setsuei means setting up a stage or tent. They sound very similar but have totally different meanings.
Using 撮影する for drawing. → 描く (Kaku).
Drawing is never 撮影. 撮影 always involves a camera or imaging device.

Tips

Using 'Chū'

Add 中 (chū) after 撮影 to mean 'currently filming.' It's very common on signs or as a status update.

Professionalism

If you want to sound like a serious hobbyist or professional, use 撮影 instead of 撮る.

Asking Permission

Always say 'Satsuei shite mo ii desu ka?' before pointing your camera at someone or inside a private shop.

Radical Recognition

The left side of 撮 is 扌 (hand), reminding you that you hold the camera to shoot.

Video vs. Photo

While 撮影 covers both, if you need to be specific about video, you can say 'Douga wo satsuei suru'.

Hospital Japanese

If a doctor says 'Satsuei shimasu,' they are about to take a medical image like an X-ray or CT scan.

Film Sets

The person in charge of the camera is the 'Satsueisha' or 'Satsuei Kantoku'.

Copyright

Be aware of 'Satsuei Kinshi' signs in bookstores; taking photos of book pages is called 'Digital Manbiki' (digital shoplifting).

Drones

Aerial filming is 'Kuuchuu satsuei' (空中撮影). Always check local laws before 撮影 with a drone.

Vlogging

Vloggers often refer to their 'Satsuei kankyou' (filming environment) when discussing their setups.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Satsu' as 'Snap' and 'Ei' as 'Image'. 'Satsu-Ei' is snapping an image.

Visual Association

Imagine a professional director sitting in a chair with 'SATSU-EI' written on the back, holding a megaphone.

Word Web

Camera Film Photo Director Studio YouTube X-ray Copyright

Challenge

Go through your day and identify three things that are '撮影禁止' (No Photography) and three things you want to '撮影する' (Film/Photograph).

Word Origin

Composed of two Sino-Japanese characters (Kanjigo).

Original meaning: 撮 (To pinch/take) + 影 (Shadow/Image).

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when filming in residential areas or near schools, as Japanese privacy laws and social norms are very protective.

English speakers often say 'take a video' or 'film something.' In Japanese, 撮影する covers both, but is more formal than 'taking a video.'

The movie 'Satsuei!' (often used in titles of behind-the-scenes documentaries). Famous director Akira Kurosawa's strict 撮影 style. The 'Satsueijo' (Film Studios) of Kyoto, like Toei Uzumasa.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Professional Movie Set

撮影開始！
撮影現場の確認
撮影スケジュール
カメラを回す

Medical Checkup

レントゲン撮影
MRI撮影
撮影台に横になる
息を止めて撮影

Tourism

撮影スポット
撮影禁止エリア
記念撮影
撮影をお願いする

Social Media Creation

動画撮影
自撮り撮影
撮影の裏側
撮影機材の紹介

Journalism

現地撮影
スクープ撮影
撮影の許可取り
映像の撮影

Conversation Starters

"普段、どんなものを撮影するのが好きですか？ (What kind of things do you usually like to film/photograph?)"

"おすすめの撮影スポットを教えてください。 (Please tell me some recommended photo spots.)"

"この映画はどこで撮影されたか知っていますか？ (Do you know where this movie was filmed?)"

"YouTubeの動画を撮影するのに、どんな機材を使っていますか？ (What kind of equipment do you use to film YouTube videos?)"

"ここで撮影しても大丈夫でしょうか？ (Is it okay to film/photograph here?)"

Journal Prompts

今日撮影した写真の中で、一番気に入っているものについて書いてください。 (Write about your favorite photo that you took today.)

もし映画を撮影するとしたら、どんなストーリーにしますか？ (If you were to film a movie, what kind of story would it be?)

最近のスマートフォンでの撮影技術についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about recent smartphone photography technology?)

撮影禁止の場所が増えていることについて、あなたの意見を書いてください。 (Write your opinion about the increasing number of 'No Photography' places.)

将来、ドローンを使って撮影してみたい場所はどこですか？ (Where would you like to film using a drone in the future?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds formal. 'Jidori suru' is the common slang, but 'Jidori wo satsuei suru' is grammatically correct and used by influencers when talking about their work.

No, it is used for both still photography and video. In professional contexts, it is the standard word for both.

撮る is casual and used for daily life. 撮影する is formal, technical, and implies a planned activity or professional setting.

No. For audio, you must use 録音する (rokuon suru). 撮影 requires a visual component.

Because it is a technical procedure. 'Rentogen satsuei' is the standard medical term for taking an X-ray image.

It means 'No Photography' or 'No Filming.' You will see this on signs in museums, temples, and some shops.

No. For drawing or painting, use 描く (kaku). 撮影 requires a camera or similar device.

Generally, you should ask for permission. Japan has strict social norms regarding privacy (portrait rights), and filming strangers without consent can be considered rude or even a legal issue.

It is 'Satsuei basho' (撮影場所) or 'Satsuei genba' (撮影現場).

A 'Satsueisha' (撮影者) is the person who is doing the filming or taking the photograph.