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.
Standard, neutral term for a police officer. Safe to use in most contexts.
That cop was kind.
Common abbreviation of 警察官, slightly more casual but still widely used.
Cops are patrolling.
Friendly, colloquial term for a police officer, often used by the public. Literally 'Mr./Ms. Patrol'.
Excuse me, officer, can you tell me the way?
Slang abbreviation of 'police', similar to 'cop' in casualness. Can sound rough or dismissive.
Can be considered derogatory; avoid in polite conversation.
The cops are here.
To express getting, buying, or receiving something, often with a sense of acquisition or effort.
Literally 'to put into one's hands', meaning to obtain or acquire something, often with effort.
I copped the limited edition sneakers.
Loanword from English 'get', used casually for obtaining something desirable.
I copped the new game!
Standard verb 'to buy'. In slang contexts, it can imply 'copping' something.
Pattern for 'to cop something'. Replace 〜 with the item.
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.
I copped that jacket yesterday.
He copped a rare card.