Which one should you use?
While copia refers to a general duplicate or reproduction, the word ejemplar is the specific term used when referring to a single copy of a published work, such as a book, magazine or newspaper.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some countries in South America, the phrase sacar una copia is commonly used to convey the idea of making a copy.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The related verb copiar is a regular -ar verb. In the present tense, it conjugates as copio (I copy), copias (you copy), copia (he/she/it copies), copiamos (we copy) and copian (they copy). In the past tense, the third-person singular is copió (he/she/it copied) and the third-person plural is copiaron (they copied).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkopja/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using copia to refer to a physical printed edition of a book. Instead, use ejemplar to sound more natural.
Did you know?
- If you tell a bookseller you want a copia of a book, they might think you are asking for a fraudulent or illegal reproduction rather than a legal copy of a published work.
- The word copia shares a Latin root with the English word 'abundance'. In Latin, cōpia originally meant an ample supply or a wealth of resources rather than a reproduction.
Examples in context
- Esa es una copia.That's a copy.This sentence demonstrates the use of copia as a noun.Tatoeba #1270868 by marcelostockle, translation #42520 by CK
- Copia esto, por favor.Copy this, please.This sentence demonstrates the use of copia as a verb.Tatoeba #1991806 by marcelostockle, translation #997072 by Vulgaris
- Dale esta copia a Tom.Give this copy to Tom.Tatoeba #3225160 by Shishir, translation #3024414 by CK
- Por favor, necesito una copia de este documento importante.Please, I need a copy of this important document.
- Podría hacerme un duplicado de esta llave, por favor?Could you make a copy of this key, please?
- ¿Puede hacerme una fotocopia de este documento, por favor?Can you make me a photocopy of this document, please?
- Necesito duplicar estas notas para compartirlas con mis compañeros de clase.I need to copy these notes to share with my classmates.
- ¿Me podrías xeroxear este documento, por favor?Could you Xerox this document, please?
- Voy a sacar una copia de ese libro para que puedas leerlo también.I'm going to make a copy of that book so you can read it too.
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a modern office, Daniel asks María for help with a document.
- Daniel¿Puedes hacer una copia de este informe, María?Can you make a copy of this report, María?
- MaríaSí, Daniel, lo hago ahora mismo.Yes, Daniel, I will do it right now.
- DanielGracias, necesito la copia para la reunión.Thanks, I need the copy for the meeting.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, la tendrás en un momento.Don't worry, you will have it in a moment.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry copia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries copia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
