Inklingo

How to Say "copy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “copy” is “copia” — use 'copia' for a general duplicate of a document, item, or information, like a photocopy or a digital file.

copia🔊A1

Use 'copia' for a general duplicate of a document, item, or information, like a photocopy or a digital file.

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impresiónB1

Use 'impresión' when referring specifically to the physical output from a printer, like a document or receipt.

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reproducciónA2

Use 'reproducción' for any imitation or copy of an original work, especially in art or media, or when referring to a playback function.

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ejemplar🔊B1

Use 'ejemplar' when referring to a single physical unit of a publication, such as a book, magazine, or newspaper.

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número🔊B1

Use 'número' when referring to the latest or a specific issue of a periodical like a magazine or newspaper.

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réplicaA2

Use 'réplica' for a faithful reproduction of an artwork or valuable object, often implying high quality.

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traslado🔊B2

Use 'traslado' for an official, often legal or administrative, duplicate of a document or file, emphasizing its official nature.

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fusil🔊C1

Use 'fusil' informally to describe a work that is an unoriginal imitation or blatant rip-off of another.

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English → Spanish

copia

KOH-pyahˈko.pja

nounA1general
Use 'copia' for a general duplicate of a document, item, or information, like a photocopy or a digital file.
Two identical, plain sheets of paper lying side-by-side on a simple surface, representing a duplicate or copy.

Examples

Necesito una copia de mi pasaporte para el banco.

I need a copy of my passport for the bank.

Esta es la única copia original del contrato.

This is the only original copy of the contract.

Haz una copia de seguridad de todos tus archivos importantes.

Make a backup copy of all your important files.

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'copia' is always feminine, so you must use 'la copia' or 'una copia'.

impresión

nounB1general
Use 'impresión' when referring specifically to the physical output from a printer, like a document or receipt.

Examples

¿Me puedes entregar una impresión del recibo?

Can you hand me a printout of the receipt?

reproducción

nounA2general
Use 'reproducción' for any imitation or copy of an original work, especially in art or media, or when referring to a playback function.

Examples

Pulsa el botón de reproducción para empezar la película.

Press the play button to start the movie.

ejemplar

eh-hem-PLARexemˈplaɾ

nounB1general
Use 'ejemplar' when referring to a single physical unit of a publication, such as a book, magazine, or newspaper.
A single hardcover book resting on a wooden table.

Examples

He comprado un ejemplar de su nueva novela.

I have bought a copy of his new novel.

Solo quedan tres ejemplares en toda la biblioteca.

There are only three copies left in the whole library.

Vimos un ejemplar de lince ibérico en el bosque.

We saw a specimen of the Iberian lynx in the woods.

Always Masculine

Even if the book title is feminine, the word 'ejemplar' is always masculine: 'el ejemplar'.

Ejemplar vs. Ejemplo

Mistake: “Este es un buen ejemplar de por qué estudiar.”

Correction: Este es un buen ejemplo... Use 'ejemplo' for the abstract concept of an example, and 'ejemplar' for a physical copy or object.

nounB1general
Use 'número' when referring to the latest or a specific issue of a periodical like a magazine or newspaper.

Examples

Leí un artículo excelente en el último número de la revista.

I read an excellent article in the latest issue of the magazine.

réplica

nounA2general
Use 'réplica' for a faithful reproduction of an artwork or valuable object, often implying high quality.

Examples

Esta es una réplica exacta del famoso cuadro de Dalí.

This is an exact replica of Dalí's famous painting.

traslado

trah-SLAH-dohtɾasˈlaðo

nounB2formal
Use 'traslado' for an official, often legal or administrative, duplicate of a document or file, emphasizing its official nature.
Two identical official-looking papers with golden seals lying side by side on a desk.

Examples

El abogado solicitó un traslado del expediente judicial.

The lawyer requested a copy of the court file.

Se dio traslado a la defensa sobre las nuevas pruebas.

The defense was notified of the new evidence.

Formal Phrases

In legal Spanish, you will often see 'dar traslado', which means to officially give a copy of a document to someone so they can respond to it.

fusil

foo-SEELfuˈsil

nounC1informal
Use 'fusil' informally to describe a work that is an unoriginal imitation or blatant rip-off of another.
Two identical paintings of a simple red flower sitting side-by-side on easels.

Examples

Esa canción es un fusil descarado de un éxito de los 80.

That song is a blatant rip-off of an 80s hit.

Su guion resultó ser un fusil de una película francesa.

His script turned out to be a copy of a French movie.

Using 'fusil' as a slang term

This usage comes from the verb 'fusilar', which literally means to execute by shooting, but slangily means to 'kill' or steal someone else's idea.

Don't use in formal essays

Mistake: “Writing 'Este libro es un fusil' in a university paper.”

Correction: Use 'plagio' or 'copia no autorizada' for formal academic contexts.

Document vs. Publication Copy

Learners often confuse 'copia' (general duplicate) with words for publications like 'ejemplar' or 'número'. Remember, 'copia' is for any duplicate, while 'ejemplar' is a single physical book/magazine, and 'número' refers to a specific issue of a periodical.

Related Translations

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