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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ja-take-photos

How do you ask 'May I take photos here?' in Japanese?

Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka. (写真を撮ってもいいですか。)

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  1. Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka. (写真を撮ってもいいですか。) ✔
  2. Shashin o totte kudasai. (写真を撮ってください。)
  3. Shashin wa ikura desu ka. (写真はいくらですか。)

Why: The te-form plus mo ii desu ka asks for permission. Shashin o totte kudasai means 'please take a photo (of us)', and the last choice asks the price.

Huh, didn't know that: Always ask before photographing people, shrines or museum displays.

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What kind of photos will you find on a turtle's phone? Shell-fies.
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References

Answer: Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka. (写真を撮ってもいいですか。). The te-form plus mo ii desu ka asks for permission. Shashin o totte kudasai means 'please take a photo (of us)', and the last choice asks the price.

  1. NHK WORLD-JAPAN Easy Japanese, Lesson 28 www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/lesson/en/lessons/28.html
    Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka. May I take photos here?
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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