复印

• Pinyin: fù yìn
• Hanzi breakdown: 复 = simplified from 復/複, meaning again/repeat; 印 = 爫 (hand) + 卩 (seal), meaning to print or stamp

Meaning

To photocopy; to duplicate. Making a paper copy of a document using a machine.

Specifically refers to making paper copies using a photocopier. Common in office, school, and administrative settings. Related words include 复印机 (photocopier) and 复印件 (photocopy).

Examples

1. 请帮我复印两份这个文件。 Please help me photocopy two copies of this document.
2. 图书馆里有免费的复印机。 There is a free photocopier in the library.
3. 你去复印店把身份证复印一下。 Go to the copy shop and make a copy of your ID card.

Usage Guide

Context: office, school, administrative

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 请把这份合同复印三份。(Please make three copies of this contract.)
• 我需要复印一下我的护照。(I need to make a copy of my passport.)

Don't Say

• 我复印了这张照片到手机上 (Don't use 复印 for digital copying — use 拷贝 or 复制; 复印 specifically means paper photocopying)

Origin & History

Compound of 复 (again, repeat) and 印 (print, stamp), meaning to print again or reproduce.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal