Translation guide
How to express 'one copy' in Japanese, depending on what is being counted.
The learner wants to say 'one copy' when referring to a single physical instance of a book, magazine, report, or similar item.
The learner wants to refer to a single instance of a digital file, such as a software copy, music file, or backup.
The learner wants to say 'one copy' when referring to a duplicate of a physical item like a key.
The counter for long, cylindrical objects, including keys. Use this when talking about making a copy of a key.
一部 is the most versatile for 'one copy' of printed or duplicated materials. 一冊 is specifically for bound books. 一通 is for letters or documents sent through mail or delivery. Use 一部 when unsure.
パンフレットを一部ください。
Please give me one copy of the pamphlet.
この小説を一冊借りました。
I borrowed one copy of this novel.
案内状を一通受け取りました。
I received one copy of the invitation letter.
The standard counter for copies of books, magazines, newspapers, documents, and other printed or duplicated materials. Use this in most situations.
この報告書を一部ください。
Please give me one copy of this report.
資料を一部ずつ配ってください。
Please distribute one copy of the materials to each person.
Used specifically for one copy of a book or bound volume. More natural than 一部 when emphasizing the book as a physical object.
この本を一冊買いました。
I bought one copy of this book.
Used for one copy of a letter or document that is sent or delivered. Less common in everyday speech.
請求書を一通送ってください。
Please send one copy of the invoice.
Also used for digital copies, especially when referring to licensed software, e-books, or official documents. It implies a countable unit.
ソフトウェアを一部購入しました。
I purchased one copy of the software.
A generic counter that can be used for digital files in casual contexts. Less formal than 一部.
そのファイルを一つコピーしてください。
Please make one copy of that file.
A loanword from English, used in technical or IT contexts. Not as natural as 一部 in general conversation.
バックアップを1コピー取っておいてください。
Please keep one copy of the backup.
合鍵を一本作ってください。
Please make one copy of the key.
A generic counter that can be used for keys in casual speech, though 一本 is more precise.
鍵をもう一つ作った。
I made one more copy of the key.