Chinese phrase
要原件还是复印件？ yào yuán jiàn hái shì fù yìn jiàn
Meaning
Is the original or a copy needed?
When to use it
Asks whether the original or a copy is needed. It is a concise, neutral question used when checking document requirements.
Example dialogue
办理入学手续时，要原件还是复印件？ bàn lǐ rù xué shǒu xù shí yào yuán jiàn hái shì fù yìn jiàn
When enrolling, do you need the original, or is a copy enough?
办公室说，如果能带原件和复印件就最好。 bàn gōng shì shuō rú guǒ néng dài yuán jiàn hé fù yìn jiàn jiù zuì hǎo
The office said it would be best to bring the original and a copy if possible.