Translation guide
The English phrase 'carbon copy' has two main uses: the literal copy made with carbon paper, and the figurative meaning of an exact duplicate or a person who closely resembles another. In modern Japanese, the literal sense is largely historical, while the figurative sense is common in everyday language.
To describe a person or thing that is an exact copy or very similar to another, often used in expressions like 'He is a carbon copy of his father.'
Used specifically for people who look exactly like someone else, often a parent or relative. It implies a striking resemblance.
Referring to the physical copy created using carbon paper, often in office contexts. This usage is now rare and mostly historical.
In email contexts, 'CC' is universally understood in Japanese business. You can say 'CCに入れる' (to put someone in CC) or 'CCで送る' (to send as CC). The full term 'カーボンコピー' is rarely used in this context.
彼をCCに入れてください。
Please CC him.
When describing a person who looks like another, do not use 'カーボンコピー' literally. It sounds unnatural. Use '生き写し' or 'そっくり' instead.
彼は父親の生き写しだ。
He is a carbon copy of his father.
A versatile word meaning 'exactly alike' or 'identical.' Can be used for people, objects, or situations. Often used with に or だ.
その双子はそっくりだ。
The twins are carbon copies of each other.
このコピーは原本とそっくりだ。
This copy is a carbon copy of the original.
Literally 'two melons,' meaning two things are identical, especially in appearance. Commonly used for people who look exactly alike.
あの姉妹は瓜二つだ。
Those sisters are carbon copies of each other.
Loanword from English 'copy.' Used broadly for duplicates, but can also imply a carbon copy in figurative contexts. Often used with みたい or のよう.
その車は私の車のコピーみたいだ。
That car is like a carbon copy of mine.
A pattern meaning 'just like ~.' Can be combined with other words to express the idea of a carbon copy. More descriptive than a single word.
彼の話し方はまるで父親のようだ。
His way of speaking is a carbon copy of his father's.
Direct loanword for 'carbon copy.' Used in technical or historical contexts. Often abbreviated as CC in email.
書類のカーボンコピーを保管してください。
Please keep the carbon copy of the document.
General term for duplication or copying, including carbon copies. More formal and often used in office settings.
この伝票は複写式になっている。
This slip is designed to make carbon copies.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'copy made with carbon paper.' Used when clarity is needed, but it's wordy.
カーボン紙による写しを作成する。
Make a carbon copy using carbon paper.