撮影

• Reading: さつえい
• Romaji: satsuei
• Kanji breakdown: 撮 (satsu) — photograph, take; 影 (ei) — shadow, reflection, image
• Pronunciation: /sa.tsɯ.eː/

Meaning

Photography; filming; shooting. The act of capturing images or video with a camera.

A noun that also functions as a する-verb (撮影する, to photograph or film). 撮影 covers both still photography and video recording. It is used for professional film production, casual photography, and everything in between. Common collocations include 撮影禁止 (no photography), 撮影現場 (filming location), and 撮影スタジオ (photo/film studio).

Examples

1. 映画の撮影が駅前で行われていた。 A movie was being filmed in front of the station.
2. ここでは撮影が禁止されています。 Photography is prohibited here.
3. 友達の結婚式で写真撮影を頼まれた。 I was asked to take photos at a friend's wedding.

Usage Guide

Context: photography, film, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 撮 (photograph, take) and 影 (shadow, reflection, image). Together they mean to capture a shadow or image — to photograph.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal