Inklingo

How to Say "copy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

copia

/KOH-pyah//ˈko.pja/

nounA1general
Use 'copia' when referring to a duplicate of a document, an item, or a recording.
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
Choose 'impresión' when you mean the physical output produced by a printer, like a printed document or page.

Examples

¿Me puedes entregar una impresión del recibo?

Can you hand me a printout of the receipt?

nounB1general
Use 'número' when referring to a specific issue or edition 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.

traslado

/trah-SLAH-doh//tɾasˈlaðo/

nounB2formal
Opt for 'traslado' when referring to an official or certified duplicate of a legal or important document.
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.

Document Copy vs. Printer Output

The most common confusion is between 'copia' and 'impresión'. Remember that 'copia' refers to the duplicate itself (e.g., a second passport), while 'impresión' is specifically the result of printing something.

Related Translations

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