カメラ

• Reading: カメラ
• Romaji: kamera
• Pronunciation: /ka.me.ɾa/

Meaning

Camera. A device used to take photographs or record video.

Borrowed from English/Dutch 'camera.' Japan has a rich camera culture — brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm are world-famous. While smartphones have largely replaced dedicated cameras, カメラ still appears in daily life: 防犯カメラ (bōhan kamera — security camera), カメラマン (kameraman — photographer). Common phrases: カメラで撮る (take a photo with a camera).

Examples

1. 旅行に新しいカメラを持って行きます。 I'm bringing a new camera on the trip.
2. カメラで写真を撮ってもいいですか。 May I take a photo with my camera?
3. 父のカメラはとても古いです。 My father's camera is very old.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, hobbies, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From English 'camera,' which derives from Latin 'camera obscura' (dark chamber) — the precursor to modern photography. Entered Japanese in the late 19th century when photography became accessible.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal