Translation and Meaning of: 写す - utsusu

If you have ever tried to translate the Japanese word 写す [うつす], you may have noticed that it carries various meanings, such as "to photograph," "to copy," or even "to imitate." But why does a single verb encompass so many different actions? In this article, we will explore the etymology, everyday use, and even curiosities about this versatile kanji. Besides understanding its origin, you will discover how the Japanese apply 写す in real situations — from taking a selfie to reproducing a drawing by hand. And if you use Anki or another memorization method, get ready for practical sentences that will cement this vocabulary in your mind.

Etymology and Pictogram of 写す

The kanji 写 is composed of two radicals: 宀 (roof) and 舎 (residence). Together, they suggest the idea of "transferring something from one place to another", as if you were moving an image from one space to another — whether on paper, on a screen, or in memory. It’s no wonder that this character appears in words like 写真 (shashin, photograph) and 描写 (byousha, pictorial description).

A fascinating detail is that the lower stroke of 写 resembles a brush dripping ink, a subliminal reference to the act of recording. This visual connection helps to explain why the verb can mean both "to copy a text" and "to depict a landscape." Anyone who has tried to draw a scene knows that, deep down, you are "transferring" reality onto paper — exactly what 写す suggests.

Everyday Lies and Special Nuances

In practice, the Japanese use 写す in surprising contexts. For example, when you say メモを写す (memo o utsusu), you are "copying notes," but if you say 風景を写す (fuukei o utsusu), the meaning changes to "capturing a landscape" (with a camera or brush). The difference lies in the object of the action: paper or image?

A valuable tip: in traditional restaurants, you might hear レシピを写させてください (reshpi o utsusasete kudasai) — a polite request to "take a photo of the recipe". But be careful! In museums, signs with 撮影禁止 (satsuei kinshi) prohibit photos, while 写す alone can be ambiguous. It's better to use 写真を撮る (shashin o toru) when you want to snap a picture.

Memorization and Cultural Curiosities

To not forget this verb, imagine an old camera "copying" the light of the environment onto the film. This visual metaphor works because 写す is linked to the concept of faithful reproduction. A teacher from Kyoto told me that students play with the pun 写すか、写さないか (utsusu ka, utsusanai ka) — "Will I copy or not?" — when deciding whether to take notes or just listen.

In Google searches, many associate 写す with questions about the differences between 撮る (toru, to photograph) and 描く (kaku, to draw). The key is to remember that this verb serves as a bridge between the two: it does not specify the method, only the result (a reproduction). Want to test it? Try "filming" your cat with your phone and then "copying" him in a sketchbook. In both cases, you will be 写している (utsushite iru) — capturing its essence.