Copy that
Meaning: Understood; message received — used to acknowledge information.
From military and law enforcement radio procedure. 'Copy' means you've received and understood a transmission. In civilian life, it's a crisp, efficient way to confirm you've heard and understood something. Interchangeable with 'Roger that' in casual speech.
Examples
- The meeting has been moved to 3 PM.' 'Copy that. 会议改到下午3点了。''收到。«La reunión se ha movido a las 15:00.» «Recibido.»「会議が午後3時に変更になりました。」「了解。」회의가 오후 3시로 변경됐습니다.' '알겠습니다.
- Copy that — I'll reroute to the alternate location. 收到——我会改走备用路线。Recibido — cambiaré la ruta hacia la ubicación alternativa.了解——別のルートに変更する。알겠다 — 대체 경로로 변경하겠다.
- Don't forget to lock up when you leave.' 'Copy. 走的时候别忘了锁门。''收到。«No te olvides de cerrar con llave al salir.» «Recibido.»「出る時に鍵をかけるのを忘れないでね。」「了解。」나갈 때 문 잠그는 거 잊지 마.' '알겠어.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: everyday speech, workplace, texting
Tone: efficient, acknowledging
✓ Do Say
- Copy that.收到。Recibido.了解。카피 댓.
- Copy — on my way.收到——马上到。Recibido — voy para allá.了解——向かっている。카피 — 가는 중이야.
✗ Don't Say
- Interchangeable with 'Roger that' in casual use.在日常使用中可与'Roger that'互换。Intercambiable con «Roger that» en el uso informal.カジュアルな場面では「ロジャー・ザット」と互換的に使われる。일상에서는 'Roger that'과 혼용 가능하다.
Origin & History
From military radio procedure where 'copy' indicated a message had been received clearly enough to be written down. Widespread civilian use from the 1980s onward.
Cultural Context
Era: 1960s–present
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: All regions — fully mainstream
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