写真

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 写真 is a noun for a photograph and is read しゃしん.
• Basic usage: An existing photograph appears in 写真を見せる, while taking one uses the fixed combination 写真を撮る.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Combination with 撮る
  • Taking a photograph is written 写真を撮る; distinguish the photography verb 撮る from 取る, which is used for taking or obtaining things.
• Difference from 写真集
  • 写真 denotes an individual photograph or photographs, while 写真集 is a book collecting multiple photographs.