Translation guide
The English word 'duplicate' can be a verb, noun, or adjective. This guide covers how to express the core ideas of making a copy, having an exact copy, or something being a copy in Japanese.
Expressing the action of creating a duplicate of something, such as a document, key, or file.
The most general and neutral verb for making a duplicate or reproduction, especially for documents, artworks, or digital files.
この書類を複製してください。
Please duplicate this document.
I duplicated the file and made a backup.
Very common loanword for copying, especially in office or digital contexts. Slightly more casual than 複製する.
このページをコピーしてもいいですか。
Can I duplicate this page?
To copy by hand or by tracing; also used for taking a photograph or copying data. Implies a direct transfer.
ノートに答えを写した。
I duplicated the answers into my notebook.
Formal term for photocopying or duplicating documents, often used in official settings.
重要書類は複写して保管します。
Important documents are duplicated and stored.
Referring to a duplicate object, such as a copy of a key, a document, or a file.
General noun for a duplicate or reproduction. Works for physical and digital copies.
これは絵の複製です。
This is a duplicate of the painting.
鍵の複製を作りたい。
I want to make a duplicate of the key.
Common loanword for a copy, especially in office or school contexts.
A copy made by hand or a duplicate document; often used in formal or legal contexts.
A duplicate kept for one's own records, like a receipt copy or a stub.
Describing something that is a duplicate or identical to another thing.
Used as an adjective meaning 'duplicate' or 'reproduction', often for items like keys or artworks.
これは複製の鍵です。
This is a duplicate key.
Literally 'the same thing', used when you want to emphasize that two items are identical duplicates.
それと同じものをください。
I'd like a duplicate of that.
Expressing that work is being done twice unnecessarily.
Common phrase meaning 'to be a waste of effort by doing twice'. Used when duplication of work is inefficient.
同じ作業をすると二度手間になる。
Duplicating the same task would be a waste of effort.
Verb meaning 'to overlap' or 'to be redundant'. Often used for duplicated data or efforts.
作業が重複しないように注意してください。
Be careful not to duplicate efforts.
複製 is more formal and often used for official reproductions or art. コピー is a casual loanword common in everyday office and school settings.
While 複製の鍵 is correct, in casual situations people often say 合鍵 (あいかぎ) for a duplicate key. 合鍵 specifically means a spare or duplicate key.
契約書の控えが必要です。
I need a duplicate of the contract.
Please make a duplicate of this document.
免許証の写しを提出してください。
Please submit a duplicate of your driver's license.
領収書の控えをください。
Please give me a duplicate of the receipt.