Culture & Sights 観光 · Stop C02
記念写真
Taking photos politely in Japanese
The great red torii of Miyajima rises out of the sea. Time for the perfect photo. Ask if you may take photos, and ask someone to take one of you.
Phrases
写真を撮ってもいいですか？
しゃしんをとってもいいですか？
shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?
May I take a photo?
Ask before photographing people, small shops or inside buildings. Pointing at your camera helps.
写真を撮ってもらえますか？
しゃしんをとってもらえますか？
shashin o totte moraemasu ka?
Could you take a photo for me?
Small change, big difference: 撮ってもいい = may I take one; 撮ってもらえる = could you take one for me?
ここを押してください
ここをおしてください
koko o oshite kudasai
Press here, please.
Point at the shutter button as you say it. Works for any button.
もう一枚お願いします
もういちまいおねがいします
mou ichimai onegaishimasu
One more, please.
枚 counts flat things like photos, tickets and paper, so this also gets you one more ticket.
一緒に撮ってもいいですか？
いっしょにとってもいいですか？
issho ni totte mo ii desu ka?
Can we take a photo together?
Great for photos with friendly locals, performers or costumed mascots.
What you’ll hear
Staff talk fast. Here’s what they are likely to say at this stop, and a good answer.
撮りますよ。はい、チーズ！
torimasu yo. hai, chiizu!
Here goes. Say cheese!
The person taking your photo, just before pressing the shutter.
お願いします
onegaishimasu
Go ahead, please.
これでいいですか？
kore de ii desu ka?
Is this one okay?
After taking your photo, they hand your phone back for you to check.
はい、ありがとうございます
hai, arigatou gozaimasu
Yes, thank you!
申し訳ありませんが、中は撮影禁止です。
moushiwake arimasen ga, naka wa satsuei kinshi desu.
Sorry, no photos inside.
Common in temple halls, museums and some shops.
わかりました。すみません
wakarimashita. sumimasen
I see. Sorry.
Culture tip
No-Photo Signs
撮影禁止 (satsuei kinshi) means 'no photography'. You'll see it inside many temple halls, museums and some shops. フラッシュ禁止 means photos are OK, but no flash. And always ask before photographing people.
“撮影禁止 means photos are fine as long as you don't use flash.”
撮影禁止 means no photos at all. 'No flash' is フラッシュ禁止.
Practice scene
Torii in the Frame
The shore at Miyajima, facing the great red torii standing in the sea. You want a photo of yourself with it.
Mr. Nakamura · Friendly passerby
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Your turn: Ask a passerby to take a photo of you.
写真を撮ってもらえますか？
shashin o totte moraemasu ka?
Could you take a photo for me?
-
はい、いいですよ。
hai, ii desu yo.
Sure, no problem.
-
Your turn: Hand over your phone and show them the shutter button.
ここを押してください
koko o oshite kudasai
Press here, please.
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撮りますよ。はい、チーズ！
torimasu yo. hai, chiizu!
Here goes. Say cheese!
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Your turn: You check the photo. Your eyes are closed! Ask for one more.
もう一枚お願いします
mou ichimai onegaishimasu
One more, please.
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はい、もう一枚。撮りますよ！
hai, mou ichimai. torimasu yo!
Sure, one more. Here goes!
Scene complete! You earned the Miyajima stamp.
Phrases from Ekiben content v3