Translation guide
The English word 'duplicate' can be a verb, noun, or adjective. This guide covers how to express the core ideas of making a copy, having an exact copy, or something being a copy in Japanese.
Expressing the action of creating a duplicate of something, such as a document, key, or file.
The most general and neutral verb for making a duplicate or reproduction, especially for documents, artworks, or digital files.
Please duplicate this document.
I duplicated the file and made a backup.
Very common loanword for copying, especially in office or digital contexts. Slightly more casual than 複製する.
Can I duplicate this page?
To copy by hand or by tracing; also used for taking a photograph or copying data. Implies a direct transfer.
Formal term for photocopying or duplicating documents, often used in official settings.
Important documents are duplicated and stored.
Referring to a duplicate object, such as a copy of a key, a document, or a file.
General noun for a duplicate or reproduction. Works for physical and digital copies.
Describing something that is a duplicate or identical to another thing.
Used as an adjective meaning 'duplicate' or 'reproduction', often for items like keys or artworks.
Expressing that work is being done twice unnecessarily.
Common phrase meaning 'to be a waste of effort by doing twice'. Used when duplication of work is inefficient.
複製 is more formal and often used for official reproductions or art. コピー is a casual loanword common in everyday office and school settings.
While 複製の鍵 is correct, in casual situations people often say 合鍵 (あいかぎ) for a duplicate key. 合鍵 specifically means a spare or duplicate key.
ノートに答えを写した。
I duplicated the answers into my notebook.
This is a duplicate of the painting.
I want to make a duplicate of the key.
Common loanword for a copy, especially in office or school contexts.
Please make a duplicate of this document.
A copy made by hand or a duplicate document; often used in formal or legal contexts.
Please submit a duplicate of your driver's license.
A duplicate kept for one's own records, like a receipt copy or a stub.
Please give me a duplicate of the receipt.
This is a duplicate key.
Literally 'the same thing', used when you want to emphasize that two items are identical duplicates.
I'd like a duplicate of that.
Duplicating the same task would be a waste of effort.
Verb meaning 'to overlap' or 'to be redundant'. Often used for duplicated data or efforts.
Be careful not to duplicate efforts.
I need a duplicate of the contract.