Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Copy'

English Word: copy

Key Russian Translations:

• копия [ˈkopʲɪjə] - [Formal, Noun, Often used for duplicates or replicas]
• копировать [kəpʲɪˈrovətʲ] - [Verb, Neutral, Used for the action of copying]
• экземпляр [ɛkzʲɪmˈplʲar] - [Formal, Noun, Used for a single copy of a publication]

Frequency: High (especially "копия" and "копировать")

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; "копия" and "копировать" are easier, while "экземпляр" may be B2 due to specific usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

копия: [ˈkopʲɪjə]

Note on копия: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'я' sound is a soft vowel, pronounced like 'ya'.

копировать: [kəpʲɪˈrovətʲ]

Note on копировать: Stress on the third syllable. The final 'ть' indicates an infinitive verb form.

экземпляр: [ɛkzʲɪmˈplʲar]

Note on экземпляр: Stress on the third syllable. The 'экз-' prefix may feel unfamiliar to beginners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Copy as a Noun (a duplicate or replica)

Translation(s) & Context:

• копия - Used for duplicates of documents, images, or objects.
• экземпляр - Refers specifically to a copy of a book, magazine, or printed material.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть копия этого документа.

  I have a copy of this document.

• Это точная копия картины.

  This is an exact copy of the painting.

• У нас осталось только два экземпляра этой книги.

  We only have two copies of this book left.

2. Copy as a Verb (to replicate or reproduce)

Translation(s) & Context:

• копировать - General term for the act of copying, often used in technical or digital contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Можно копировать этот файл на флешку.

  You can copy this file to a USB drive.

• Не копируй мой стиль, придумай что-то своё!

  Don't copy my style, come up with something of your own!

Russian Forms/Inflections:

копия (Noun, Feminine): Declines according to the 1st declension pattern.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	копия	копии
Genitive	копии	копий
Dative	копии	копиям
Accusative	копию	копии
Instrumental	копией	копиями
Prepositional	копии	копиях

копировать (Verb, Imperfective): Regular conjugation in the 2nd conjugation group.

Person	Present Tense
Я (I)	копирую
Ты (You, singular)	копируешь
Он/Она/Оно (He/She/It)	копирует
Мы (We)	копируем
Вы (You, plural)	копируете
Они (They)	копируют

экземпляр (Noun, Masculine): Declines according to the 2nd declension pattern. Similar to "копия" but with masculine endings.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for копия:

• дубликат (duplicate, often formal)
• реплика (replica, often for art or objects)

Synonyms for копировать:

• дублировать (to duplicate, often in technical contexts)
• снимать копию (to make a copy, less common)

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "copy" lacks a clear opposite in most contexts. However, for "копировать," one might use "создавать" (to create) in the sense of originality.

Related Phrases:

• снять копию - to make a copy (often of a document or photo)
• точная копия - an exact copy (used for replicas or duplicates)
• копировать и вставить - to copy and paste (common in digital contexts)

Usage Notes:

• "Копия" is the most common translation for "copy" as a noun and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts for duplicates of any kind.
• "Экземпляр" is more specific and typically refers to copies of printed materials like books or magazines. It may sound overly formal if used for other types of copies.
• "Копировать" as a verb is versatile and can be used for both physical and digital copying. It is often paired with "и вставить" (and paste) in computing contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "экземпляр" for any kind of copy. Wrong: У меня есть экземпляр этого письма. Correct: У меня есть копия этого письма. Explanation: "Экземпляр" is specific to publications, not general copies.
• Error: Misconjugating "копировать" by using first conjugation endings. Wrong: Я копираю. Correct: Я копирую. Explanation: "Копировать" belongs to the second conjugation group, so the endings follow the -ую pattern.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "копия" can sometimes carry a negative connotation when referring to imitation of ideas or styles, as originality is often highly valued. Saying someone is "копирующий" (copying) another's work may imply a lack of creativity.

Related Concepts:

• дубликат (duplicate)
• репродукция (reproduction, often of art)
• оригинал (original)