Translation guide
A machine for making paper copies of documents and images. In Japanese, the most common term is コピー機, but other expressions exist for different contexts.
The standard term for a photocopying machine in everyday office or school settings.
The most common and neutral word for a photocopier. Used in offices, convenience stores, schools, etc.
コピー機が故障しています。
The photocopier is out of order.
Is there a photocopier on this floor?
A more formal or technical term, often used in official documents or product specifications.
複写機の使用は有料です。
Use of the photocopier is charged.
Short for コピー機, used colloquially but can also mean 'copy' (the result). Context clarifies the meaning.
ちょっとコピー使っていい？
Can I use the copier for a sec?
A device that combines printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing, common in offices.
Refers to a multifunction printer (MFP) that includes copying. Often used in business contexts.
新しい複合機はコピーが速い。
The new multifunction copier is fast at copying.
Explicitly states it's a copier-based MFP, sometimes used in catalogs.
コピー複合機のリースを検討しています。
We are considering leasing a copier-based MFP.
The self-service photocopiers found in Japanese convenience stores, often used for printing, copying, and scanning.
The standard way to refer to the copier in a convenience store.
コンビニのコピー機で書類を印刷した。
I printed the documents at the convenience store copier.
The official name for the multi-function machines in convenience stores (e.g., printing, scanning, faxing).
マルチコピー機で写真をプリントできます。
You can print photos at the multi-copy machine.
コピー機 is the everyday word. 複写機 is formal/technical. 複合機 is a multifunction device that includes copying but also printing/scanning.
オフィスにコピー機を買いました。
We bought a photocopier for the office.
複写機の保守契約を結ぶ。
Sign a maintenance contract for the photocopier.
In casual speech, コピー can mean the machine itself, but it's ambiguous. To be clear, use コピー機.