Translation guide
The English word 'facsimile' has two main uses: a formal term for an exact copy or reproduction, and a historical term for a fax machine or transmission. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a precise duplicate of a document, artwork, or object, often in formal or technical contexts.
General term for a reproduction or duplicate, commonly used for documents, artworks, and manufactured copies.
Referring to the device or the act of sending a document via telephone line, now largely historical.
When referring to a fax machine or sending a fax, do not use 複製 or 模造. These mean 'copy' or 'reproduction' and would cause confusion. Always use ファックス.
If you mean an exact copy of a document or artwork, use 複製. If you mean a fax, use ファックス. The English word 'facsimile' covers both, but Japanese distinguishes them clearly.
この絵は複製です。
This painting is a facsimile.
Imitation or replica, often used for objects like antiques or artifacts, emphasizing that it is not the original.
それは模造品です。
That is a facsimile.
Direct loanword from English, used in very formal or technical contexts, such as 'facsimile edition' of a manuscript.
ファクシミリ版を参照してください。
Please refer to the facsimile edition.
The standard Japanese term for fax machine or fax transmission. 'Facsimile' in this sense is almost always called ファックス.
ファックスで送ってください。
Please send it by facsimile.
ファックス番号を教えてください。
Please tell me your facsimile number.
Full form of the loanword, used in formal or technical names, but ファックス is far more common in everyday language.
ファクシミリ通信の技術は古くなりました。
Facsimile communication technology has become outdated.