Translation guide
The English word "copy" covers several distinct meanings: a duplicate, a single issue of a publication, written material for printing, and the act of imitating. Japanese uses different words for each.
A thing made to be identical to an original, such as a photocopy, backup, or replica.
The most common and versatile word for a copy, especially a photocopy or digital copy. Used as both noun and suru-verb.
この書類のコピーを取ってください。
Please make a copy of this document.
データのコピーを保存しました。
I saved a copy of the data.
A formal term for reproduction or duplication, often used for artworks, documents, or manufactured copies.
この絵は複製です。
This painting is a reproduction.
A copy made by hand or by copying text, often used in legal or formal contexts. Less common in daily speech.
戸籍の写しが必要です。
A copy of the family register is required.
One individual book, magazine, newspaper, or similar item.
Counter/unit for copies of a publication. Used with numbers: 一部 (one copy), 二部 (two copies).
この本を三部注文しました。
I ordered three copies of this book.
最新号を一部ください。
One copy of the latest issue, please.
Counter for books, magazines, and other bound volumes. Often interchangeable with 部, but 冊 focuses on the physical object.
この雑誌を二冊買った。
I bought two copies of this magazine.
Written material intended for publication, such as ad copy or article text.
Manuscript, draft, or copy for printing. Used for articles, books, and advertising text.
広告の原稿をチェックしてください。
Please check the ad copy.
原稿の締め切りは明日です。
The deadline for the copy is tomorrow.
In advertising and journalism, コピー can also mean the text itself (copywriting).
キャッチコピーを考えてください。
Please come up with a catchphrase (copy).
Draft text or wording, often used for advertising or official statements.
文案を作成しました。
I drafted the copy.
The act of imitating someone or something, or a thing made to resemble another.
Imitation, mimicry. Often used in the phrase 真似をする (to imitate). Can be neutral or negative depending on context.
彼は先生の真似をするのが上手だ。
He is good at imitating the teacher.
人の真似ばかりしないで。
Don't just copy others.
Imitation, copying, especially in a systematic or formal sense. Used in contexts like art, technology, or behavior.
Can also mean imitation, especially in casual contexts or for products. Often used as suru-verb: コピーする.
彼のスタイルをコピーした。
I copied his style.
To copy by tracing, transcribing, or photographing. Often used for copying text or images manually.
部 (ぶ) is used for copies of a publication as units of distribution (e.g., print run), while 冊 (さつ) is used for bound volumes as physical objects. For example, when ordering books, 三部注文する focuses on the number of copies, while 三冊買う focuses on the books themselves. In many cases they are interchangeable, but 部 sounds more formal or businesslike.
While コピー can mean imitation of style or product, for mimicking someone's actions or speech, 真似 (まね) is more natural. Using コピー for personal mimicry can sound awkward or overly literal.
Beware of counterfeit (imitation) goods.
Please copy the map (by tracing).