Translation and Meaning of: 写し - utsushi

If you've ever come across Japanese documents or even manga, you've probably encountered the word 写し [うつし] in some context. This expression carries meanings such as "copy," "duplicate," or even "facsimile," and is essential for understanding everything from bureaucracies to discussions about art. In this article, we will explore its etymology, everyday usage, and even tips for memorizing this kanji in an uncomplicated way. And if you use Anki or another spaced repetition system, you’ll love the practical sentences we’ve prepared to boost your studies.

Besides the literal meaning, there are interesting details about how the Japanese apply this term in formal and informal situations. Did you know, for example, that 写し can appear on receipts or even in descriptions of works of art? That's right, this little word is more useful than it seems at first glance. Let's uncover all this without any fluff, with real examples and even a touch of Japanese culture to make learning more interesting.

Etymology and writing of the kanji 写し

The kanji 写 is composed of two visual elements: the radical 宀 (roof) and 舎 (which refers to the action of covering). Together, they suggest the idea of "reproducing" or "capturing" something, like a reflected image. It’s no coincidence that this character appears in words like 写真 [しゃしん] (photograph) and 描写 [びょうしゃ] (pictorial description). The reading うつし comes from the verb 写す [うつす], which means to copy or transfer.

One detail that helps with memorization: the bottom stroke of the kanji resembles an old copier table, where the original and blank paper were placed to reproduce the content. This visual association can be useful for those starting to study Japanese. And pay attention: although similar, do not confuse with 映す [うつす] (project/imitation), which uses the kanji 映 and has a different application.

Everyday use and formal situations

In everyday Japanese, 写し frequently appears in bureaucratic contexts. If you need a certified copy of your passport, for example, you will hear パスポートの写し [ぱすぽーとのうつし]. Companies also use the term for internal documents, such as 会議録の写し [かいぎろくのうつし] (copy of the meeting minutes). The nuance here is important: it is not just any reproduction, but a duplicate with official value.

Outside of offices, the term comes up in conversations about traditional art. Craftsmen of 浮世絵 [うきよえ] (Japanese woodblock prints) often create 写し of classic works as a means of learning. In this case, the copy does not carry a negative connotation - on the contrary, it demonstrates refined technique. Recently, I saw a video where a calligrapher explained how to make 写し of ancient kanjis: each brushstroke was calculated to maintain the essence of the original, in an almost meditative process.

Tips for memorization and related searches

Those who search for 写し on Google often look for differences between コピー (kopī, from the English "copy") and the Japanese term. The distinction is subtle: while コピー refers to mechanical reproductions (like Xerox), 写し conveys the idea of manual transcription or a faithful copy for a specific purpose. A practical way to remember this is to think of 写し as a "qualified replica," whereas コピー would be more generic.

To fix in memory, try creating flashcards with sentences like 「この書類の写しを取ってください」 ("Please make a copy of this document"). Another strategy is to associate the kanji 写 with cameras - after all, what is a photo if not a 写し of reality? Interestingly, many students report that after learning this term, they start to notice it everywhere: from electronic manuals to credits in Japanese films.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 複写 (fukusha) - reproduction, copying in terms of text or image
• コピー (kopii) - copy, often used in the context of physical or digital copy
• 複製 (fukusei) - duplication, usually in a broader context that includes replication of objects or files
• 複写する (fukusha suru) - make a reproduction or copy
• コピーする (kopii suru) - make a copy, usually in more informal contexts or specific technology settings
• 複製する (fukusei suru) - to perform duplication, often in a more technical or formal context

写し

Romaji: utsushi
Kana: うつし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: copy; duplicate; facsimile; transcription

Meaning in English: copy;duplicate;facsimile;transcript

Definition: To describe the shape or appearance of something as it is.

Example Sentences - (写し) utsushi

See below some example sentences:

この書類の写しを取ってください。

Kono shorui no utsushi o totte kudasai

Please make a copy of this document.

Please take a copy of this document.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that the document is "of this"
• 写し - noun that means "copy" or "reproduction"
• を - direct object particle that indicates that the action is performed on the "copy"
• 取って - verb "toru" in the -te form that means "to take" or "to obtain"
• ください - expression that indicates a request or solicitation, equivalent to "please"