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JLPT N115画 · 15 strokesradical 手freq #1023

snapshot, take pictures

On'yomi (音読み)

  • サツ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • と.る
  • つま.む
  • -ど.り

Mnemonic

Imagine a photographer using their hand (手) to snap a quick photo, capturing moments as if they were plucking them from the air.

About this kanji

The kanji 撮 means "to take pictures" or "snapshot" and is primarily used as a verb. You will often encounter it in words related to photography. For example, 撮影 (さつえい) refers to "photography," which can include both still and motion pictures. Another common usage is 撮る (とる), meaning "to take" specifically in the context of photographs. Additionally, the term 特撮 (とくさつ) means "special effects," highlighting its use in film and media. A helpful note is that while 撮 is associated with capturing images, it connects broadly to visual representation, making it a useful kanji for anyone interested in photography or film.

Example sentences

  • 彼女は写真を撮った。

    She took a photo.

Meanings across languages

English
snapshot, take pictures
Tiếng Việt
chụp ảnh
日本語
撮る
한국어
사진을 찍다
中文
拍照
id
jepretan
th
ภาพถ่าย
es
instantánea
fr
photo
de
Schnappschuss
pt
foto

Common compounds

  • 撮影さつえいphotography (still or motion), photographing, filming
  • 撮るとるto take (a photograph), to record (audio or video), to film
  • 特撮とくさつspecial effects, SFX, tokusatsu
  • 写真撮影しゃしんさつえいphotography, taking photographs
  • 特殊撮影とくしゅさつえいspecial effects, SFX
  • 空撮くうさつaerial photography
  • 撮要さつようoutline, summary, compendium
  • 撮土さつどsmall area, a pinch of earth

Want to actually learn this kanji?

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