写真機(しゃしんき)

しゃしんき
noun
camera; photographic apparatus
1. camera; photographic apparatus
A device for taking photographs. An older or more formal word for camera, now largely replaced by カメラ in everyday speech.
古(ふる)い写真機(しゃしんき)を修理(しゅうり)した。
I repaired an old camera.
祖父(そふ)の写真機(しゃしんき)はまだ使(つか)える。
My grandfather's camera still works.
明治(めいじ)時代(じだい)に日本(にほん)に写真機(しゃしんき)が伝(つた)わった。
The camera was introduced to Japan in the Meiji era.

An older, more formal Japanese word for camera. While カメラ is the standard word in modern Japanese, 写真機(しゃしんき) still appears in historical, technical, or literary contexts.

USAGE:

Today 写真機(しゃしんき) is used mainly when:

  • Referring to vintage or antique cameras
  • Writing in a deliberately formal or historical style
  • Discussing the history of photography in Japan

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 写真機(しゃしんき)を構(かま)える: to hold up a camera
  • 写真機(しゃしんき)店(てん): camera shop (dated)
  • 小型(こがた)写真機(しゃしんき): compact camera

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • カメラ: camera — the standard modern word used in everyday speech
  • 撮影(さつえい)機材(きざい): photography equipment — broader term including lenses, tripods, etc.

FORMATION:
写真(しゃしん) (photograph) + 機(き) (machine, device)

general
Added 2026.4.6 1:27
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