写す
utsusu[ɯ̟t͡sɨ̥sɨ]
The English verb 'copy' can be translated into Japanese as 写す (utsusu) or コピーする.
Meaning: produce something identical (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 写す | utsusu | [ɯ̟t͡sɨ̥sɨ] (narrow) |
| コピーする | kopī suru |
The word 写す is used to mean produce something identical, but it can also mean to project an image onto a surface or to reflect an image in a mirror. To say 'make a copy', you can use the phrase コピーを作る.
Which one should you use?
写す is used when copying something by hand, such as transcribing text or sketching a picture. In contrast, コピーする is used specifically for using a photocopier or making digital copies.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of 写す is 写した.
How do you pronounce it?
utsusu
Did you know?
- If you are copying a person's behavior or mannerisms, you might use 真似る instead of 写す, as the latter is strictly for visual or physical replication.
- The word 写す is the same character used in the word for 'photograph', 写真, making the concept of 'copying' a visual essence of photography.
- The word 写す is visually related to the kanji for 'to move', 移す, implying a transfer of an image from one place to another.
Examples in context
- 彼女は友達のノートを写す。She will copy her friend's notebook.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 写す to describe copying a notebook.Tatoeba #10193512 by terrywallwork, translation #10193513 by terrywallwork
- この文書をコピーしてもらえますか？Can you make a copy of this document?
- このファイルをコピーしなければなりません。I need to make a copy of this file.
- このプレゼンテーションの印刷物をいただけますか？May I have a printed copy of this presentation?
- 黒板の図をノートに写す。Kokuban no zu o nōto ni utsusu.Copy the diagram from the blackboard into your notebook.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “copy” translations and entries 写す, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 写す, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
