Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'photocopy'

English Word: photocopy

Key Russian Translations:

• ксерокопия /ksʲɪrɐˈkopʲɪjə/ - [Informal, Commonly used in everyday contexts]
• фотокопия /fɐtɐˈkopʲɪjə/ - [Formal, Often used in professional or technical settings]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in daily life, especially in office or educational environments, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "book" or "paper".)

Difficulty: A2 (For the primary translation 'ксерокопия', it's beginner level; for 'фотокопия', it might reach B1 due to slight familiarity with compound words. Overall, suitable for elementary learners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ксерокопия: /ksʲɪrɐˈkopʲɪjə/

фотокопия: /fɐtɐˈkopʲɪjə/

Note on ксерокопия: The initial 'кс' sound is a palatalized /ksʲ/, which can be challenging for English speakers due to the soft consonant; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A duplicate of a document made using a photocopying machine.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ксерокопия - Used in informal, everyday situations, such as in offices or schools, to refer to a quick copy.
• фотокопия - Applied in more formal contexts, like legal or archival work, emphasizing photographic quality.

Usage Examples:

• Я сделал ксерокопию паспорта для документов.

  I made a photocopy of my passport for the documents.

• В библиотеке можно заказать фотокопию редкой книги.

  At the library, you can order a photocopy of a rare book.

• Не забудь взять ксерокопию контракта на встречу.

  Don't forget to bring a photocopy of the contract to the meeting.

• Эта фотокопия должна быть высокого качества для архива.

  This photocopy needs to be of high quality for the archive.

• Магазин предлагает услуги по созданию ксерокопий документов.

  The store offers services for making photocopies of documents.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'ксерокопия' and 'фотокопия' are feminine nouns (feminine gender in Russian grammar). They follow standard first-declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -ия. Below is a table outlining the key inflections:

Note: These nouns do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • копия (/ˈkopʲɪjə/) - A general copy, often used interchangeably but less specific to photocopying.
  • дубликат (/duˈblʲɪkət/) - Emphasizes duplication, with a slight formal connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • оригинал (/ɐrʲɪˈɡʲɪnəl/) - The original document, as opposed to a copy.

Related Phrases:

• Сделать ксерокопию - To make a photocopy (Used for quick, informal copying tasks).
• Заказать фотокопию - To order a photocopy (Implies a service, often in professional settings).
• Ксерокопия документов - Photocopy of documents (Common in administrative contexts).

Usage Notes:

'Ксерокопия' is the most direct and idiomatic translation for 'photocopy' in casual Russian speech, derived from the brand name 'Xerox', while 'фотокопия' is preferred in formal or technical environments to emphasize photographic reproduction. English speakers should note that Russian nouns require gender agreement; for example, adjectives and verbs must align with the feminine gender. When choosing between translations, opt for 'ксерокопия' in everyday scenarios and 'фотокопия' for precision in legal or academic contexts. Additionally, always consider the plural form in sentences involving multiple copies.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'копия' interchangeably without context, which might imply a handwritten or digital copy rather than a photocopy.

  Correct: Сделайте ксерокопию паспорта (Make a photocopy of the passport).

  Explanation: 'Копия' is broader and could confuse the specific meaning; specify 'ксерокопия' for accuracy.

• Error: Forgetting gender agreement, e.g., saying "этот ксерокопия" instead of "эта ксерокопия" (since it's feminine).

  Correct: Эта ксерокопия качественная (This photocopy is of good quality).

  Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case, which is a common pitfall for English learners.

Cultural Notes:

The term 'ксерокопия' originates from the Xerox brand, reflecting how Western technology influenced Russian language in the 20th century. In Russian culture, photocopying is a staple in bureaucratic processes, such as obtaining official documents, which underscores the importance of accuracy and formality in everyday administrative tasks.

Related Concepts:

• принтер (printer)
• сканер (scanner)
• документ (document)