Translation guide
The English word "cop" has two main meanings: a police officer (informal) and the act of obtaining or receiving something (slang). This guide covers both.
To refer to a police officer in casual or informal contexts.
Common abbreviation of 警察官, slightly more casual but still widely used.
Slang abbreviation of 'police', similar to 'cop' in casualness. Can sound rough or dismissive.
Can be considered derogatory; avoid in polite conversation.
ポリが来たぞ。
The cops are here.
To express getting, buying, or receiving something, often with a sense of acquisition or effort.
Directly translating 'cop' as コップ (koppu) means 'cup' and will cause confusion. Use the appropriate Japanese terms for police officer.
警察官 is the most formal and official. 警官 is a common abbreviation. お巡りさん is friendly and colloquial, often used when addressing an officer directly.
Standard, neutral term for a police officer. Safe to use in most contexts.
あの警察官は親切だった。
That cop was kind.
警官がパトロールしている。
Cops are patrolling.
Friendly, colloquial term for a police officer, often used by the public. Literally 'Mr./Ms. Patrol'.
お巡りさん、道を教えてください。
Excuse me, officer, can you tell me the way?
Literally 'to put into one's hands', meaning to obtain or acquire something, often with effort.
限定版のスニーカーを手に入れた。
I copped the limited edition sneakers.
Loanword from English 'get', used casually for obtaining something desirable.
新作のゲームをゲットした！
I copped the new game!
Standard verb 'to buy'. In slang contexts, it can imply 'copping' something.
昨日あのジャケット買ったよ。
I copped that jacket yesterday.
Pattern for 'to cop something'. Replace 〜 with the item.
彼はレアなカードを手に入れた。
He copped a rare card.