How to Say ‘I'm taking photos.’ in Japanese
写真を撮っています。
shashin o totsu te i masu
[shah-sheen oh tot te ee mahs]
💬 Usage Tip: Change 撮る into 撮って and add います to say something is ongoing, like an English "-ing". You can do the same with other verbs: 勉強しています "I'm studying".
Phrase Breakdown
写真を
shashin o
a photo (as the object)
写真 (shashin) means 'photo'. を (o) marks it as the object of the verb.
写真を見ます。
I look at photos.
Words in this phrase
写真
shashin
[shah-sheen]
photograph; photo
A picture taken by camera; often used when asking about museum photography.
写真を見せてください。
Please show me the photo.
を
o
[oh]
object marker
The particle を marks the direct object of a verb.
チケットを二枚ください。
Two tickets, please.
撮っています。
totsu te i masu
am taking (photos)
The ～ています form shows an ongoing action. Hold the small っ briefly: 'tot-te imasu'.
今、写真を撮っています。
I'm taking photos now.
Words in this phrase
撮っ
totsu
[tot]
take (photo) / snap (stem)
From 撮る, meaning to take a photo; this stem appears in the te-form.
写真を撮ってください。
Please take a photo.
て
te
[te]
te-form ending
Connects actions in sequence, like 'and' or 'then'.
ドアが開いて、入ります。
The door opens, and then I go in.
い
i
[ee]
to be; ongoing state
Part of the progressive or current-state expression.
空いていますかを確認します。
I will check whether they are available.
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite verb ending
A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.
予約を確認し ます。
I will confirm the reservation.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager