Dictionary
English - Japanese

Photo

ˈfoʊdoʊ
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

写真 (しゃしん, shashin), フォト (ふぉと, foto), 画像 (がぞう, gazou), スナップショット (すなっぷしょっと, sunappushotto)

Photo meanings in Japanese

写真 (しゃしん, shashin)

Example:
I took a photo of the sunset.
夕日を写真に撮りました。
Can you send me that photo?
その写真を送ってくれますか?
Usage: informalContext: Used in everyday conversation, social media, and casual settings.
Note: The term '写真' is widely used to refer to a photograph in any context, both formal and informal.

フォト (ふぉと, foto)

Example:
I love your new profile photo.
あなたの新しいプロフィールフォトが好きです。
She works as a photo editor.
彼女はフォトエディターとして働いています。
Usage: informalContext: Commonly used in contexts related to digital media, photography, or modern technology.
Note: The term 'フォト' is borrowed from English and often used in commercial or digital contexts.

画像 (がぞう, gazou)

Example:
This photo is a high-resolution image.
この写真は高解像度の画像です。
I need to upload the images to the website.
ウェブサイトに画像をアップロードする必要があります。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in technical contexts, such as computer graphics, web development, and professional photography.
Note: '画像' refers to an image in a broader sense, which can include photos but also digital graphics and illustrations.

スナップショット (すなっぷしょっと, sunappushotto)

Example:
Let’s take a quick snapshot.
さっとスナップショットを撮りましょう。
I love capturing candid snapshots.
自然なスナップショットを撮るのが好きです。
Usage: informalContext: Used in casual conversation about taking quick or informal photographs, often in social settings.
Note: This term is derived from the English 'snapshot' and is used to describe informal photos, often taken spontaneously.

Photo's synonyms

photograph

A photograph is a picture taken with a camera.
Example: I took a photograph of the sunset.
Note: A photograph is a more formal term compared to 'photo'.

picture

A picture is a visual representation or image of something.
Example: She framed the picture of her family.
Note: A picture is a broader term that can encompass drawings, paintings, or photographs.

image

An image refers to a visual representation or likeness of an object.
Example: The artist created a beautiful image of a flower.
Note: An image can also refer to mental or conceptual representations, not just physical photographs.

snapshot

A snapshot is a quick, informal photograph taken without much preparation.
Example: I captured a snapshot of the children playing in the park.
Note: A snapshot implies a spontaneous or candid nature compared to a more planned or professional 'photo'.

Photo expressions, common phrases

Take a picture

To capture an image using a camera or a similar device.
Example: Could you take a picture of us, please?
Note: This phrase specifically refers to the action of capturing an image, whereas 'photo' is a noun referring to the image itself.

Strike a pose

To position oneself in a particular way for a photograph.
Example: She struck a pose for the photographer.
Note: This phrase is about posing for a photo, while 'photo' refers to the image itself.

Snap a photo

To take a quick or casual photograph.
Example: I'll just snap a quick photo of the sunset.
Note: Similar to 'take a picture,' this phrase is more informal and quick in nature.

Picture-perfect

An ideal or flawless image, just like in a photograph.
Example: The scene was so beautiful, it was picture-perfect.
Note: This phrase implies perfection or idealization, similar to a perfectly captured photo.

In the picture

To be included or involved in a situation or group, similar to being in a photograph.
Example: Are you in the picture with the rest of the group?
Note: This phrase refers to being part of a situation, unlike 'photo' which is about the visual representation itself.

A picture is worth a thousand words

An image can convey a complex idea more effectively than words.
Example: Instead of describing it, I'll just show you the photo. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Note: This is a saying that emphasizes the power of visual representation over verbal description.

Behind the lens

To be the person taking the photographs, usually a photographer.
Example: She's the creative force behind the lens, capturing stunning images.
Note: This phrase highlights the role of the photographer, contrasting with 'photo' which is the end result.

Throwback photo

An older photograph that is shared or posted later as a memory.
Example: Here's a throwback photo of us from our trip last year.
Note: This phrase refers to an older photo that is shared later, evoking nostalgia or reminiscence.

Capture the moment

To preserve a particular moment or feeling through a photograph.
Example: He managed to capture the moment perfectly with his camera.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the act of capturing a moment in time, rather than the physical photo itself.

Photo everyday (slang) expressions

Selfie

A selfie is a self-portrait photograph taken with a smartphone or camera held by the person in the photograph.
Example: I took a quick selfie with my friends at the party.
Note: Selfie specifically refers to a self-portrait photo taken by oneself.

Pic

Pic is a shortened form of 'picture'. It is commonly used in casual conversations and messaging.
Example: Can you send me that pic you took yesterday?
Note: Pic is a more informal term for 'picture'.

Candid

Candid photos are unposed, natural, and often spontaneous shots that capture real emotions or situations.
Example: I love capturing candid moments at family gatherings.
Note: Candid refers to unposed and natural photos.

Surreal

Surreal photos appear dreamlike, bizarre, or unreal, often achieved through editing or unique angles.
Example: The lighting in that photo made it look surreal.
Note: Surreal describes a photo that deviates from reality.

Frame

To 'frame' a photo means to put it in a decorative border or mount for display.
Example: Let's frame this picture and hang it on the wall.
Note: Frame is used metaphorically to refer to displaying or showcasing a photo.

Snapshot in time

A 'snapshot in time' refers to a photo that captures a specific moment or period in the past.
Example: That old family photo is a snapshot in time of our childhood memories.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the time-specific nature of a photo.

Photo - Examples

I took a photo of my family.
She showed me a photo of her new car.
I need to print out this photo for my album.
He posted the photo on social media and got many likes.

Photo grammar

Photo - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: photo
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): photos
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): photo
Syllables, Separation and Stress
photo Contains 2 syllables: pho • to
Phonetic transcription: ˈfō-(ˌ)tō
pho to , ˈfō (ˌ)tō (The red syllable is stressed)

Photo - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
photo: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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