Japanese word

写す

Pronunciation

Romajiutsusu

Meaning

  • verbcopy

Example

本の文をノートに写します。hon no bun o nō to ni utsu shi ma su

I copy the sentence from the book into my notebook.

Illustration for 写す (copy)

More examples

手本を見ながら絵を写しています。te hon o mi na ga ra e o utsu shi te i ma su

I am tracing a picture while looking at the model.

Core concept

写す (utsusu) involves reproducing a visible form or written content so that it matches an original.

Common phrases

  • ノートに写すnō to ni utsu su

    copy into a notebook

  • 住所を写すjū sho o utsu su

    copy an address

  • 名前を写すna mae o utsu su

    copy a name

Similar words

書き写すkakiutsusu: To write the same words from an original source onto another surface.

Definition in Japanese

見本や文章などを、形や内容が同じになるように書き取ったりなぞったりする。mi hon ya bun shō na do o katachi ya nai yō ga ona ji ni na ru yō ni ka ki to tta ri na zo tta ri su ru

Word origin

The native verb 写す (utsusu) is paired with 写る (utsuru, "be reflected or reproduced"): 写る describes an appearance on another surface, while 写す describes causing that appearance.

Usage tips

  • In school contexts, 写す (utsusu) can also mean copying another student's answers, so the context can make the action improper.

Other meanings

  • transcribeverb
  • traceverb

Related words

Word lists with this word