Translation guide
The act of making a copy, duplicating, or imitating something. This guide covers how to express 'copying' in Japanese, from physical duplication to digital copying and imitation of behavior.
この書類をコピーしてください。
Make a copy of this document.
真似しないで！
Stop copying me!
To duplicate a document, file, or object.
The most common and versatile word for 'copying' in the sense of duplication. Used for photocopying, digital file copying, and as a noun meaning 'a copy'.
この書類をコピーしてください。
Please make a copy of this document.
ファイルをコピーして、USBに保存した。
I copied the file and saved it to a USB drive.
A more formal term for copying, often used in official or technical contexts. Can refer to photocopying or duplication of documents.
この資料の複写は禁止されています。
Copying of this material is prohibited.
Refers to reproduction or duplication, often for artworks, CDs, or manufactured goods. Implies creating a replica.
この絵の複製を作る。
Make a reproduction of this painting.
To mimic or copy someone's behavior, speech, or mannerisms.
The most common word for imitating someone's actions or speech. Can be used positively (learning by imitation) or negatively (mocking).
子供は親の真似をする。
Children imitate their parents.
彼は先生の真似をして、クラスを笑わせた。
He imitated the teacher and made the class laugh.
A formal term for imitation, often used in academic or technical contexts. Can refer to copying a style or method.
A childish or cute way to say 'copycat' or 'imitation'. Often used by children.
真似っこしないで！
Stop copying me!
To write down something exactly as it appears elsewhere.
Specifically means to copy by writing. Used for copying notes, text, or calligraphy.
黒板の文字をノートに書き写した。
I copied the text from the blackboard into my notebook.
A general verb for copying, transcribing, or photographing. Can be used for copying text, images, or even taking a picture.
The specific action of copy-paste in digital environments.
The standard term for copy and paste. Often abbreviated as コピペ.
そのテキストをコピー＆ペーストしてください。
Please copy and paste that text.
Abbreviation of コピー＆ペースト, commonly used in casual online communication.
そのURLをコピペして送って。
Copy and paste that URL and send it to me.
To plagiarize or copy answers during a test.
Refers specifically to cheating on an exam by looking at someone else's paper or using hidden notes. Derived from 'cunning'.
試験中にカンニングが見つかって、零点になった。
He was caught cheating during the exam and got a zero.
A more literal phrase meaning 'to copy someone's answers'. Used in school contexts.
隣の人の答えを写してはいけません。
Don't copy the person next to you's answers.
コピー is the most common and covers most everyday situations. 複写 is formal and often used in legal or official documents. 複製 implies creating a replica, especially of art or products.
While コピー can be used for copying answers, the specific act of cheating on an exam is usually called カンニング. Saying コピーする in that context might not convey the illicit nature.
His work is an imitation of Picasso.
Please copy this text.