Translation guide
The English word "shot" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a gunshot, an attempt, a photograph, an injection, a drink, and more. Each meaning has its own natural Japanese expressions.
The sound or act of firing a gun or similar weapon.
Literally 'gun sound', used for the sound of a gunshot.
遠くで銃声が聞こえた。
I heard a gunshot in the distance.
The act of firing a gun. Often used in news or formal contexts.
警察は発砲を許可された。
The police were authorized to fire their weapons.
Shooting as an activity or sport, like target shooting.
彼は射撃が上手だ。
He is good at shooting.
One shot, one round. Counter for bullets or attempts.
弾丸が一発だけ残っていた。
Only one bullet was left.
An attempt to do something, or a chance to try.
A challenge or attempt, often used positively.
もう一度挑戦してみます。
I'll give it another shot.
An attempt or trial, slightly formal.
Casual phrase meaning 'to give it a try'.
Loanword meaning 'chance' or 'opportunity', often used like 'shot' in sports or games.
最後のチャンスだ。
This is your last shot.
A single photograph or the act of taking a picture.
General word for photograph. Use with counters like 一枚 (いちまい) for 'one shot'.
この写真はとてもよく撮れている。
This shot came out really well.
Loanword used in photography or film contexts, like 'camera shot'.
いいショットが撮れた。
I got a good shot.
The act of shooting a photo or film. Often used in professional contexts.
An injection of medicine or a vaccine.
General term for injection or shot.
インフルエンザの注射を受けた。
I got a flu shot.
A small serving of strong alcohol, often drunk quickly.
Loanword used for a shot of liquor.
ウイスキーのショットをください。
I'll have a shot of whiskey.
General counter for drinks, can mean 'a shot' in context.
An attempt to score a goal in sports like soccer, basketball, or hockey.
Loanword used for a shot on goal in many sports.
彼はゴールにシュートを決めた。
He scored a shot on goal.
Also used, especially in golf or tennis.
彼のショットは力強かった。
His shot was powerful.
A continuous scene filmed by a camera.
Loanword used in filmmaking for a single continuous shot.
その映画のオープニングショットは印象的だ。
The opening shot of the movie is impressive.
Also used for a shot or cut in editing.
English 'shot' covers many concepts that have distinct Japanese words. Using ショット for everything will sound unnatural. Choose the word that matches the specific meaning.
In soccer and basketball, シュート is the standard term for a shot on goal. ショット is more common in golf, tennis, or billiards. In casual conversation, シュート is safer for team sports.
新しい試みは成功した。
The new attempt was successful.
できるかどうかやってみよう。
Let's give it a shot and see if we can do it.
撮影は順調に進んでいる。
The shooting is going smoothly.
Specifically vaccination. Formal term.
ワクチン接種の予約をした。
I made an appointment for a vaccine shot.
テキーラを一杯飲んだ。
I drank a shot of tequila.
The director liked that shot.