コピー機
kopīki
The Japanese phrase for "copy machine" is コピー機 (kopīki).
コピー機 refers to the machine used to make paper copies of documents. In casual conversation, people often shorten the phrase to just コピー. To express the action of using the machine to make a copy, the verb phrase コピーを取る is commonly used.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of the loanword コピー (kopī), meaning "copy" and the kanji term 機 (ki), meaning "machine".
How do you pronounce it?
kopīki
Did you know?
- In Japanese corporate culture, the task of operating the コピー機 is often associated with the 'youngest' or lowest-ranking person in the office. This reflects a strict social hierarchy where mundane administrative tasks are delegated by seniority.
- The kanji 機 in コピー機 is the same character used in words like 飛行機 (hikōki), meaning 'airplane'. It denotes a large-scale mechanical or industrial machine.
- While コピー機 is the standard term, Japanese offices often use the word 複合機 (fukugōki) to describe these devices. This refers to a 'multifunction printer' that combines copying, printing, scanning and faxing into one unit.
Examples in context
- コピー機に紙を入れて。Put some paper in the copy machine.Tatoeba #8218491 by Tanikaz, translation #8216099 by CK
- 新しいコピー機が届きました。Atarashii kopīki ga todokimashita.A new copy machine has arrived.
- あのコピー機は壊れています。Ano kopīki wa kowarete imasu.That copy machine is broken.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are in the office.
- 美咲 Misakiコピー機はどこにありますか？kopīki wa doko ni arimasu ka?Where is the copy machine?
- 健太 Kentaあそこの角にありますよ。asoko no kado ni arimasu yo.It's over there on the corner.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます、健太さん。arigatō gozaimasu, Kenta-san.Thank you, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaどういたしまして。dōitashimashite.You're welcome.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
