Translation guide
The act of making a copy, duplicating, or imitating something. This guide covers how to express 'copying' in Japanese, from physical duplication to digital copying and imitation of behavior.
Make a copy of this document.
Stop copying me!
To duplicate a document, file, or object.
The most common and versatile word for 'copying' in the sense of duplication. Used for photocopying, digital file copying, and as a noun meaning 'a copy'.
Please make a copy of this document.
I copied the file and saved it to a USB drive.
A more formal term for copying, often used in official or technical contexts. Can refer to photocopying or duplication of documents.
Refers to reproduction or duplication, often for artworks, CDs, or manufactured goods. Implies creating a replica.
To mimic or copy someone's behavior, speech, or mannerisms.
The most common word for imitating someone's actions or speech. Can be used positively (learning by imitation) or negatively (mocking).
To write down something exactly as it appears elsewhere.
The specific action of copy-paste in digital environments.
The standard term for copy and paste. Often abbreviated as コピペ.
To plagiarize or copy answers during a test.
コピー is the most common and covers most everyday situations. 複写 is formal and often used in legal or official documents. 複製 implies creating a replica, especially of art or products.
While コピー can be used for copying answers, the specific act of cheating on an exam is usually called カンニング. Saying コピーする in that context might not convey the illicit nature.
Copying of this material is prohibited.
この絵の複製を作る。
Make a reproduction of this painting.
子供は親の真似をする。
Children imitate their parents.
He imitated the teacher and made the class laugh.
A formal term for imitation, often used in academic or technical contexts. Can refer to copying a style or method.
His work is an imitation of Picasso.
A childish or cute way to say 'copycat' or 'imitation'. Often used by children.
Stop copying me!
Specifically means to copy by writing. Used for copying notes, text, or calligraphy.
I copied the text from the blackboard into my notebook.
A general verb for copying, transcribing, or photographing. Can be used for copying text, images, or even taking a picture.
Please copy this text.
Please copy and paste that text.
Abbreviation of コピー＆ペースト, commonly used in casual online communication.
Copy and paste that URL and send it to me.
Refers specifically to cheating on an exam by looking at someone else's paper or using hidden notes. Derived from 'cunning'.
He was caught cheating during the exam and got a zero.
A more literal phrase meaning 'to copy someone's answers'. Used in school contexts.
Don't copy the person next to you's answers.