copia de seguridad
/ˌkopja de seɡuɾiˈdad/feminine
In Spanish, 'backup' (as in a copy of a file or record) can be expressed as copia de seguridad. Wiktionary also lists copia de reserva/respaldo.
Meaning: copy of file or record (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| copia de seguridad | /ˌkopja de seɡuɾiˈdad/ | feminine |
| copia de reserva/respaldo | feminine |
This term refers to a duplicate of data or records. When you want to express the action of performing a backup, you typically use the verb hacer (to make/do), resulting in the phrase hacer una copia de seguridad.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase copia de seguridad literally translates to 'copy of security'.
Which one should you use?
copia de seguridad is the most common term. However, copia de respaldo is often used in technical or Latin American contexts to mean the same thing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, copia de seguridad is commonly used. In Argentina and Uruguay, respaldo is the primary term used to convey the meaning of 'backup'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you pluralize the noun copia to copias, while the adjective seguridad remains singular. Additionally, the phrase de reserva can be used as an adjective meaning 'standby', 'reserve' or 'extra'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌkopja de seɡuɾiˈdad/
Did you know?
- The word respaldo refers to the 'back' of a chair, which is why it is used in Latin America to describe a 'backup' that supports your data.
- The word copia shares the same Latin root, cōpia, as the English word 'copious', which originally referred to an abundance or a plentiful supply.
- Spanish speakers often use the verb respaldar not just for files, but to mean 'to support' or 'to vouch for' a person in an argument.
Examples in context
- Sería bueno hacer una copia de seguridad inmediatamente.It would be good to make a backup immediately.This sentence is useful for expressing the importance of making a backup immediately.Tatoeba #10281379 by manufrutos, translation #10280067 by terrywallwork
- A pesar de nuestra mala suerte, tuvimos una pizca de buena suerte: habíamos realizado una copia de seguridad completa el día anterior.Despite our bad luck, we had one bit of good luck: we had performed a full backup the day before.This sentence shows how to describe the benefit of having performed a full backup.Tatoeba #5134929 by albrusgher, translation #2798898 by AlanF_US
- Por favor, no olvides hacer un respaldo del documento antes de modificarlo.Please, don't forget to make a backup of the document before modifying it.
- Es importante realizar una copia de seguridad de los datos antes de formatear el equipo.It is important to make a backup of the data before formatting the device.
- El sistema de copias de seguridad automático garantiza la protección de los archivos.The automatic backup system ensures file protection.
- El departamento de TI implementó una solución de salvaguarda de datos.The IT department implemented a data backup solution.
- Asegúrate de hacer una copia de respaldo de los documentos importantes en caso de pérdida.Make sure to back up important documents in case of loss.
- Siempre conviene tener una copia de respaldo de tus fotos y videos más preciados.It's always advisable to have a backup of your most cherished photos and videos.
- ¿Has hecho tu respaldo de datos recientemente? Nunca es tarde para empezar.Have you backed up your data recently? It's never too late to start.
- El disco duro externo es una buena opción para el respaldo de datos.An external hard drive is a good option for data backup.
- Asegúrate de hacer una copia de seguridad de tus archivos antes de formatear el dispositivo.Make sure to back up your files before formatting the device.
- Esa aplicación realiza copias de seguridad automáticas en la nube.That application performs automatic backups in the cloud.
- Haz un respaldo periódico para evitar la pérdida de datos valiosos.Make a periodic backup to avoid data loss.
- Siempre llevo un respaldo de mis documentos en una memoria USB.I always carry a backup of my documents on a USB drive.
- El respaldo de datos es esencial para prevenir posibles pérdidas y garantizar la seguridad de la información.Data backup is essential to prevent potential losses and ensure information security.
- No olvides guardar una copia de seguridad en la nube.Don't forget to save a backup in the cloud.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are working together in an office.
- DanielElena, ¿tienes la copia de seguridad del informe?Elena, do you have the backup of the report?
- ElenaSí, la tengo guardada en mi unidad externa.Yes, I have it saved on my external drive.
- DanielPerfecto, gracias por ser tan precavida.Perfect, thanks for being so careful.
- ElenaDe nada, Daniel. Es mejor prevenir.You're welcome, Daniel. It's better to be safe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “backup” translations and entries copia de seguridad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries copia, de, seguridad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
