Translation guide
The English word "copy" covers several distinct meanings: a duplicate, a single issue of a publication, written material for printing, and the act of imitating. Japanese uses different words for each.
A thing made to be identical to an original, such as a photocopy, backup, or replica.
The most common and versatile word for a copy, especially a photocopy or digital copy. Used as both noun and suru-verb.
Please make a copy of this document.
I saved a copy of the data.
A formal term for reproduction or duplication, often used for artworks, documents, or manufactured copies.
This painting is a reproduction.
A copy made by hand or by copying text, often used in legal or formal contexts. Less common in daily speech.
A copy of the family register is required.
One individual book, magazine, newspaper, or similar item.
Counter/unit for copies of a publication. Used with numbers: 一部 (one copy), 二部 (two copies).
I ordered three copies of this book.
One copy of the latest issue, please.
Counter for books, magazines, and other bound volumes. Often interchangeable with 部, but 冊 focuses on the physical object.
Written material intended for publication, such as ad copy or article text.
Manuscript, draft, or copy for printing. Used for articles, books, and advertising text.
Please check the ad copy.
In advertising and journalism, コピー can also mean the text itself (copywriting).
Draft text or wording, often used for advertising or official statements.
The act of imitating someone or something, or a thing made to resemble another.
Imitation, mimicry. Often used in the phrase 真似をする (to imitate). Can be neutral or negative depending on context.
He is good at imitating the teacher.
Don't just copy others.
Imitation, copying, especially in a systematic or formal sense. Used in contexts like art, technology, or behavior.
Can also mean imitation, especially in casual contexts or for products. Often used as suru-verb: コピーする.
To copy by tracing, transcribing, or photographing. Often used for copying text or images manually.
部 (ぶ) is used for copies of a publication as units of distribution (e.g., print run), while 冊 (さつ) is used for bound volumes as physical objects. For example, when ordering books, 三部注文する focuses on the number of copies, while 三冊買う focuses on the books themselves. In many cases they are interchangeable, but 部 sounds more formal or businesslike.
While コピー can mean imitation of style or product, for mimicking someone's actions or speech, 真似 (まね) is more natural. Using コピー for personal mimicry can sound awkward or overly literal.
I bought two copies of this magazine.
The deadline for the copy is tomorrow.
Please come up with a catchphrase (copy).
I drafted the copy.
Beware of counterfeit (imitation) goods.
I copied his style.
Please copy the map (by tracing).