复制

• Pinyin: fù zhì
• Hanzi breakdown: 复 = simplified from 複, meaning to repeat or duplicate; 制 = to make or control — to make a duplicate

Meaning

To copy; to duplicate; to reproduce. Creating an identical version of something.

Widely used in both digital and physical contexts. In technology, it refers to copy-paste operations. In daily life, it can mean photocopying documents or reproducing artworks. Also used figuratively: 成功不能复制 (success cannot be replicated).

Examples

1. 请把这份文件复制三份。 Please make three copies of this document.
2. 你可以复制这段文字然后粘贴到那里。 You can copy this text and paste it there.
3. 这幅画是复制的，不是原作。 This painting is a copy, not the original.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, everyday

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 把这个链接复制一下发给我。(Copy this link and send it to me.)
• 这些资料需要复制两份。(These materials need to be copied twice.)

Don't Say

• 我复制了他的方法 (For imitating methods or approaches, use 模仿 or 学习; 复制 implies making an exact physical or digital copy)

Origin & History

复 (again/repeat, simplified from 複) + 制 (to make/produce). Together: to make again — producing an identical copy.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal