Translation guide
A neat, corrected version of a written text, free of errors. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific terms for clean copies, final drafts, and the act of making a fair copy.
The final, error-free version of a handwritten or typed document, often produced after editing a draft.
I submitted the fair copy of my report.
I make a fair copy of the letter.
Similar to 清書, but often used in more formal or literary contexts, or for official documents. Can imply a neat, finalized version.
I prepare a fair copy of the contract.
A more general phrase meaning 'to rewrite neatly'. Useful when the concept of a fair copy is not a single noun, but an action.
I made a fair copy of the draft.
The last version of a document before publication or submission, often polished and error-free.
The process of producing a clean version from a draft.
Both mean a clean copy, but 清書 is more common in everyday contexts like schoolwork or personal letters. 浄書 is often used for official documents, calligraphy, or formal manuscripts. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but 清書 is the safer choice for learners.
清書 is often used with verbs like する (to do), 提出する (to submit), or 作る (to make). It can refer to both the process and the resulting document. For digital documents, 清書 is still used, but 最終版 (final version) or 完成版 (completed version) may be more common in some contexts.
I sent the fair copy (completed manuscript) to the publisher.
He made a fair copy of the waka poem.