現像

げんぞう

developing (film)

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"現像" (げんぞう) specifically refers to the process of developing photographic film to produce visible images. It is a technical term mostly used in photography contexts, especially with analog film.

Common Contexts

You will often hear "現像" when talking about sending film to a photo lab or waiting for photos to be developed. It is usually paired with words like "フィルム" (film) or "プリント" (print).

Collocations and Patterns

  • フィルムを現像する: to develop film
  • 現像が終わる: developing is finished
  • 現像に出す: to send for developing

Register and Nuance

"現像" is a neutral, technical noun. It is not used in casual conversation unless discussing photography. It is common in professional or hobbyist photography contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "現像" with "印刷" (printing). Remember, "現像" is about making the image appear on film, while "印刷" is about producing copies on paper or other media.

Example Sentences

しゃしんをとったあと、ふぃるむをげんぞうにだしました。

After taking the photos, I sent the film for developing.

げんぞうがおわるまで、しゃしんをみることはできません。

You can't see the photos until the developing is finished.

このみせはげんぞうとぷりんとをどうじにしてくれます。

This shop develops and prints photos at the same time.