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A2 noun #3,000 most common 7 min read

복사

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 복사 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 복사 in your Level:
At the A1 level, '복사' is introduced as a basic noun for 'copy'. Students learn it primarily in the context of school or office supplies. The most important phrase to learn is '복사해 주세요' (Please copy). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the Hanja roots or complex nuances. Just remember that if you have a piece of paper and you want another one just like it, you need '복사'. You might see this word on buttons in a library or a convenience store. It's a 'survival' word for students who need to duplicate study materials. You will also learn '복사기' (photocopier) as a basic object in a room. Focus on the simple S-O-V sentence structure: '저는 문서를 복사합니다' (I copy the document).
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At the A2 level, you begin to use '복사' in more varied sentences. You learn to combine it with grammar patterns like '-고 싶다' (want to) or '-아/어 주세요' (please do for me). You also start to distinguish between '복사' (copying) and '인쇄' (printing), which is a common point of confusion. You might encounter '복사' in digital contexts, such as using a smartphone or a computer. For example, '링크를 복사하세요' (Copy the link). You also learn the passive form '복사되다' in simple contexts, like '이 파일은 복사가 안 돼요' (This file cannot be copied). This level focuses on practical communication in office or service environments where you might need to ask for specific types of copies (e.g., double-sided or color).
At the B1 level, '복사' is used in more complex social and professional situations. You learn to discuss the purpose of copying, using connectors like '-기 위해서' (in order to). You might talk about '저작권' (copyright) in a basic way, mentioning that '무단 복사' (unauthorized copying) is prohibited. You also become familiar with more technical terms like '복사본' (a copy/duplicate) and '원본' (the original). In digital contexts, you understand the concept of '복사 및 붙여넣기' (copy and paste) and might use the slang '복붙'. You can explain a process: '먼저 원본을 넣고, 버튼을 누르면 복사가 시작됩니다' (First put the original in, and if you press the button, copying begins).
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At the B2 level, you use '복사' to discuss abstract concepts and more technical details. You might encounter the word in academic texts or news reports concerning intellectual property rights or the '복제' (cloning/replication) of data. You can use '복사' metaphorically, such as '그는 상사의 행동을 그대로 복사한 듯이 행동한다' (He acts as if he copied his boss's behavior exactly). You are expected to understand the nuance between '복사', '복제', and '모사'. You can also handle complex instructions involving multi-functional devices, discussing settings like '축소 복사' (reduced-size copy) or '확대 복사' (enlarged copy). Your vocabulary expands to include formal terms like '복사물' (copied material).
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At the C1 level, '복사' is understood within the broader context of Korean society and technology. You can participate in debates about the ethics of '디지털 복사' (digital copying) and its impact on the creative industries. You understand the subtle Hanja-based differences in words like '전사' (transcription) or '등본' (certified copy). You can use '복사' in sophisticated literary or rhetorical ways to describe the lack of originality in modern culture (e.g., '복사된 듯한 도시의 풍경' - a city landscape that looks like it was copied). You are also comfortable with the legal terminology surrounding '문서 복사' in official settings, such as law offices or government buildings, where the authenticity of a copy is paramount.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '복사' and all its related forms. You can discuss the historical evolution of copying technology in Korea and its linguistic impact. You understand the most obscure uses of the word, including its role in specialized fields like genetics (though '복제' is more common, '복사' can appear in specific technical descriptions of RNA/DNA transcription). You can effortlessly switch between formal, technical, and slang registers (like '복붙'). You can critique the nuances of translation where 'copy' might be translated as '복사', '복제', '베끼기', or '따라 하기' depending on the psychological or social context. You are also aware of the philosophical implications of 'the original vs. the copy' in Korean contemporary art and literature.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

복사 in 30 Seconds

  • 복사 (Boksa) means 'copying' or 'duplication' of physical or digital items.
  • Commonly used as '복사하다' (to copy) or '복사기' (photocopier).
  • Essential for office, school, and computer-related daily tasks in Korea.
  • Often confused with '인쇄' (printing) or '베끼다' (manual copying/cheating).

The Korean word 복사 (Boksa) is a fundamental noun that primarily refers to the act of copying, duplicating, or reproducing an original item to create an identical version. Derived from the Hanja characters 複 (double/overlap) and 寫 (copy/pour), it encapsulates the essence of making a secondary version of something. In modern Korean, this word is most frequently encountered in two distinct yet related environments: the physical office space involving paper and the digital world of computing.

Physical Context
Refers to photocopying documents using a machine (복사기). It implies the mechanical reproduction of text or images onto paper.
Digital Context
Refers to the 'Copy' command in software (Ctrl+C). It involves duplicating data, files, or text strings within a digital interface.
Artistic Context
Can refer to the reproduction of an artwork, though '모사' is often used for high-fidelity artistic copying.

"이 서류를 세 부만 복사해 주세요." (Please make three copies of this document.)

Understanding '복사' requires recognizing its versatility. While it is a noun, it almost always pairs with the verb '하다' (to do) to form '복사하다' (to copy). In a broader sense, '복사' represents the concept of replication. Whether you are at a library copying pages from a textbook or on your laptop copying a URL to share with a friend, you are engaging in '복사'.

"파일 복사가 완료되었습니다." (The file copying is complete.)

Historically, '복사' was a term reserved for specialized printing processes, but with the advent of the Xerox machine and later the personal computer, it became a household word. It is now one of the first 500 essential nouns taught to Korean language learners because of its high frequency in daily life, especially in academic and professional settings.

"컬러 복사는 비용이 더 많이 듭니다." (Color copying costs more.)

"링크를 복사해서 단톡방에 올렸어요." (I copied the link and posted it in the group chat.)

"그는 아버지의 모습을 그대로 복사한 듯 닮았다." (He looks like a carbon copy of his father - metaphorical use.)

Grammar Note
복사 is a noun. To use it as a verb, add -하다 (Active: to copy) or -되다 (Passive: to be copied).

Using 복사 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and how it transforms into a verb. In Korean, nouns derived from Hanja (Chinese characters) are incredibly flexible. By adding 하다, you create an active verb meaning 'to copy'. By adding 되다, you create a passive verb meaning 'to be copied'.

1. The Basic Verb Form: 복사하다

This is the most common way to use the word. It follows the standard [Object] + [을/를] + [복사하다] structure.

  • 문서를 복사하다: To copy a document.
  • 텍스트를 복사하다: To copy text.
  • 그림을 복사하다: To copy a picture.

"이 페이지를 복사해 줄 수 있어요?" (Can you copy this page for me?)

2. The Passive Form: 복사되다

When the focus is on the object being duplicated rather than the person doing it, use 복사되다.

"중요한 정보가 무단으로 복사되었습니다." (Important information was copied without permission.)

3. Digital Shortcuts

In Korea, just like in English, 'Copy and Paste' is a fixed concept. The Korean equivalent is 복사해서 붙여넣기 (Copying and then pasting), often shortened to 복붙 (Bok-but) in internet slang.

Common Command
Ctrl+C is universally referred to as '복사' in software localized for Korea.

Another important usage is in the compound noun 복사기 (Boksagi), which means 'photocopier'. You will see this word in offices, schools, and convenience stores (which often offer copying services in Korea).

You will encounter 복사 in various everyday scenarios in Korea. Understanding the context helps in choosing the right nuance.

1. At the Office or School

This is the most traditional setting. You'll hear colleagues or classmates discussing administrative tasks.

"부장님, 회의 자료 복사 다 했습니다." (Manager, I've finished copying the meeting materials.)

2. In Digital Environments

When using a computer or smartphone, '복사' is the standard term for duplicating data. If you right-click on a file in a Korean OS, the first or second option is usually '복사(C)'.

"이메일 주소 좀 복사해서 보내줘." (Copy the email address and send it to me.)

3. At a 'Pyun-ui-jeom' (Convenience Store)

Many Korean convenience stores like GS25 or CU have multi-function printers. You might see a sign that says '복사/스캔/팩스 가능' (Copy/Scan/Fax available).

Common Signage
복사 100원 (Copying 100 KRW per page)

4. In Media and Pop Culture

You might hear the term '인간 복사기' (Human Copier). This is a slang term used to describe someone who is incredibly good at mimicking or imitating other people's voices, gestures, or singing styles. It's a common compliment for comedians on variety shows.

While 복사 is a straightforward word, learners often confuse it with other terms related to reproduction or printing. Here are the most common pitfalls:

1. 복사 (Boksa) vs. 인쇄 (Insae)

This is the number one mistake. 복사 is 'copying' (making a copy of an existing thing). 인쇄 is 'printing' (outputting digital data onto paper). If you have a PDF on your phone and want it on paper, you are printing (인쇄/출력), not copying (복사).

Incorrect
"PDF 파일을 복사해 주세요." (Unless you mean duplicating the file on the disk.)
Correct
"PDF 파일을 인쇄해 주세요." (Please print the PDF file.)

2. 복사 (Boksa) vs. 베끼다 (Bekkida)

복사 is usually a mechanical or digital process. 베끼다 is a verb that means to copy something by hand, like copying notes from a blackboard or plagiarizing someone's homework. Using '복사' for homework might sound like you literally put the homework in a Xerox machine.

"친구 숙제를 베꼈어요." (I copied my friend's homework - by hand/cheating.)

3. 복사 (Boksa) vs. 복제 (Bokje)

복제 means 'cloning' or 'replication'. It is used in scientific contexts (DNA replication) or when talking about high-end counterfeiting (luxury goods). Using '복사' for a fake Gucci bag sounds unnatural; '복제' or '짝퉁' (slang) is better.

To expand your vocabulary, it's helpful to look at words that share the same semantic field as 복사. Here are the most relevant synonyms and related terms:

복제 (Bokje) - Replication/Cloning
Used for biological replication, software duplication, or creating an exact replica of a physical object. It implies a more complex or total reproduction than '복사'.
모사 (Mosa) - Imitation/Copying Art
Specifically used when someone copies a painting or a piece of writing to learn the style or create a replica. It often implies a high degree of skill.
출력 (Chullyeok) - Output/Print
The technical term for 'printing' or 'outputting' data from a computer to a printer. Often used interchangeably with '인쇄' in office settings.
전사 (Jeonsa) - Transcription/Transfer
Used when transferring an image or text from one surface to another (like a heat transfer on a T-shirt) or transcribing spoken word to text.

"이 그림은 원본이 아니라 모사 작품입니다." (This painting is not the original, but a copy/imitation.)

In the digital world, you might also hear 백업 (Backup). While '복사' is the action of copying, '백업' is the purpose—copying data to keep it safe. Another related word is 대조 (Daejo), which means 'comparison'. After you '복사' something, you might '대조' it with the original to ensure there are no errors.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

-아/어 주세요 (Requesting)

-기 전에 (Before)

-ㄹ 수 있다 (Possibility)

-아서/어서 (Sequence)

-(으)세요 (Command)

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Examples by Level

1

이거 복사해 주세요.

Please copy this.

Noun + -해 주세요 (request form)

2

복사기 어디에 있어요?

Where is the photocopier?

Noun + 어디에 있어요? (asking location)

3

한 장 복사해요.

I copy one page.

Counter '장' for flat objects

4

복사 비용은 얼마예요?

How much is the copying fee?

Noun + 얼마예요? (asking price)

5

친구 책을 복사했어요.

I copied my friend's book.

Past tense -았/었/했어요

6

여기서 복사할 수 있어요?

Can I copy here?

-ㄹ 수 있어요 (ability/possibility)

7

복사가 아주 빨라요.

The copying is very fast.

Adverb '아주' + Adjective '빨라요'

8

이 서류를 복사하세요.

Copy this document.

Imperative -(으)세요

1

컬러 복사는 조금 비싸요.

Color copying is a bit expensive.

Noun + -는/은 (topic marker)

2

신분증 복사가 필요해요.

I need a copy of my ID card.

Noun + -가 필요해요 (to need)

3

컴퓨터에서 글자를 복사했어요.

I copied the text on the computer.

Location marker -에서

4

복사기가 고장 났어요.

The photocopier is broken.

Idiom '고장 나다'

5

양면으로 복사해 주세요.

Please copy it double-sided.

Directional marker -로

6

복사한 종이를 주세요.

Give me the copied paper.

Noun-modifying form -ㄴ/은

7

이메일 주소를 복사해서 붙이세요.

Copy the email address and paste it.

Sequential connector -아서/어서

8

복사하기 전에 확인하세요.

Check before copying.

-기 전에 (before doing)

1

중요한 서류는 미리 복사해 두는 것이 좋아요.

It's good to copy important documents in advance.

-아/어 두다 (to do something for future use)

2

이 책은 무단 복사가 금지되어 있습니다.

Unauthorized copying of this book is prohibited.

Passive form -어 있다

3

복사본을 보관함에 넣으세요.

Put the copy in the storage box.

Noun '복사본' (duplicate copy)

4

파일을 USB에 복사하고 있어요.

I am copying the file to a USB.

Present progressive -고 있다

5

복사기가 종이를 다 썼어요.

The copier ran out of paper.

Object marker -를 omitted in casual speech

6

어떻게 복사하는지 가르쳐 주세요.

Please teach me how to copy.

-는지 (indirect question)

7

복사 화질이 별로 안 좋네요.

The copy quality isn't very good.

Exclamatory ending -네요

8

이 사진을 복사해서 배경화면으로 설정했어요.

I copied this photo and set it as my wallpaper.

Compound sentence with -해서

1

원본과 복사본을 대조해 보아야 합니다.

You must compare the original and the copy.

-아/어 보다 (to try/to do and see)

2

그는 아버지의 외모를 그대로 복사한 것 같아요.

He seems to have copied his father's appearance exactly.

Metaphorical usage; -ㄴ 것 같다 (seems like)

3

디지털 시대에는 복사가 너무 쉬워졌어요.

Copying has become too easy in the digital age.

-아/어지다 (to become)

4

저작권법에 따라 복사가 제한될 수 있습니다.

Copying may be restricted according to copyright law.

-에 따라 (according to)

5

문서를 축소 복사해서 지갑에 넣었어요.

I made a reduced copy of the document and put it in my wallet.

Compound noun '축소 복사'

6

이 소프트웨어는 불법 복사를 방지하는 기능이 있어요.

This software has a feature to prevent illegal copying.

Noun-modifying form -는

7

복사 버튼을 누르기만 하면 됩니다.

All you have to do is press the copy button.

-기만 하면 되다 (just need to...)

8

그 가수는 목소리 복사기로 유명해요.

That singer is famous for being a 'voice copier' (mimic).

Slang/Metaphorical '복사기'

1

현대 예술에서 복사와 원본의 경계가 모호해지고 있다.

In modern art, the boundary between copy and original is becoming blurred.

Formal written style -고 있다

2

유전자 복사 과정에서 오류가 발생할 수 있습니다.

Errors can occur during the DNA replication process.

Technical usage of '복사'

3

그 정책은 외국의 사례를 그대로 복사한 것에 불과하다.

That policy is nothing more than a direct copy of foreign cases.

-에 불과하다 (nothing more than)

4

대량 복사를 위해 인쇄소에 맡겼습니다.

I left it at the print shop for mass copying.

-를 위해 (for the sake of)

5

이 문서는 복사가 불가능하도록 보안 처리가 되어 있습니다.

This document is secured so that it cannot be copied.

-도록 (so that/in order to)

6

복사된 삶을 살기보다는 자신만의 길을 가고 싶다.

Rather than living a 'copied' life, I want to go my own way.

Philosophical usage

7

기밀 서류의 무단 복사는 엄격히 처벌받습니다.

Unauthorized copying of confidential documents is strictly punished.

Adverb '엄격히' (strictly)

8

그의 연기는 선배 배우의 스타일을 교묘하게 복사하고 있다.

His acting cleverly copies the style of his senior actors.

Adverb '교묘하게' (cleverly/artfully)

1

포스트모더니즘 담론에서 복제와 복사의 개념적 차이를 논하다.

Discussing the conceptual difference between replication and copying in postmodern discourse.

Academic register

2

인공지능은 방대한 데이터를 복사하고 재조합하여 새로운 결과물을 만든다.

AI copies and recombines vast amounts of data to create new outputs.

Complex sentence structure

3

문화적 밈(meme)은 사회적 복사 과정을 통해 확산된다.

Cultural memes spread through a process of social copying.

Sociological context

4

원본의 아우라는 복사된 이미지 속에서 사라지기 마련이다.

The aura of the original is bound to disappear within the copied image.

-기 마련이다 (it is natural that...)

5

해당 기술은 데이터 복사 시 발생하는 손실을 최소화한다.

The technology minimizes the loss that occurs during data copying.

Technical/Engineering register

6

역사는 반복되는 것이 아니라 인간에 의해 복사되는 것일지도 모른다.

History might not be repeating itself, but rather being copied by humans.

-ㄹ지도 모른다 (might be...)

7

복사 방지 워터마크가 육안으로는 보이지 않게 삽입되었다.

A copy-protection watermark was inserted so it's invisible to the naked eye.

Passive '삽입되었다'

8

그 작가의 문체는 고전 문학의 정수를 복사하여 현대적으로 재해석했다.

The writer's style copied the essence of classical literature and reinterpreted it modernly.

Literary criticism register

Common Collocations

복사기를 사용하다 (Use a copier)
문서를 복사하다 (Copy a document)
파일을 복사하다 (Copy a file)
무단 복사 (Unauthorized copying)
컬러 복사 (Color copy)
양면 복사 (Double-sided copy)
복사 버튼 (Copy button)
복사 용지 (Copy paper)
복사 속도 (Copy speed)
복사 방지 (Copy protection)

Common Phrases

복사해 주세요 (Please copy)
복사 다 됐어요 (Copying is finished)
복사기 고장 (Copier breakdown)
복사본 한 부 (One copy)
링크 복사 (Link copy)
복사 및 붙여넣기 (Copy and paste)
흑백 복사 (B&W copy)
축소 복사 (Reduced copy)
확대 복사 (Enlarged copy)
불법 복사 (Illegal copying)

Often Confused With

복사 vs 인쇄 (Insae)

복사 vs 복제 (Bokje)

복사 vs 베끼다 (Bekkida)

Idioms & Expressions

"인간 복사기 (Human copier - someone good at mimicry)"
"판박이 (A spitting image/carbon copy)"
"붕어빵 (Two things that look exactly alike)"
"그대로 베끼다 (To copy exactly/plagiarize)"
"앵무새처럼 따라 하다 (To repeat like a parrot)"
"판에 박은 듯하다 (To be stereotypical/identical)"
"도장 찍듯 (Like stamping - identical repetition)"
"Ctrl+C Ctrl+V (Slang for being identical)"
"똑같이 그리다 (To draw exactly the same)"
"그림자처럼 따라다니다 (To follow like a shadow - related to imitation)"

Easily Confused

복사 vs

복사 vs

복사 vs

복사 vs

복사 vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

honorifics

When asking a boss, use '복사해 드릴까요?' (Shall I copy it for you?).

digital vs physical

The word is used identically for both Ctrl+C and the Xerox machine.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '복사' when you actually mean '인쇄' (printing from a computer).
  • Forgetting to add '하다' when you want to use it as a verb.
  • Using '복사' for manual handwriting (use '베끼다' instead).
  • Confusing '복사' (copy) with '박사' (doctor).
  • Using the wrong counter (using '개' instead of '장' for sheets of paper).

Tips

Using the right counter

Use '장' for single sheets and '부' for sets of documents when copying.

Hanja roots

Knowing 複 (double) helps you remember other words like 복습 (review - double study).

Bok-But

Use '복붙' when talking about repetitive tasks on the computer with friends.

Double-sided

Learn '양면 복사' (double-sided) to save paper in a Korean office.

Ctrl+C

In Korean software menus, 'Copy' is always written as '복사'.

Copy Shops

Look for signs saying '제본' or '복사' near university entrances for cheap services.

Politeness

Always add '해 주세요' when asking someone to copy something for you.

Original vs Copy

Always distinguish between 원본 (original) and 복사본 (copy) in formal writing.

Short vowel

The 'o' in 'bok' is short and crisp. Don't drag it out.

Copyright

Be careful with '무단 복사' in libraries; they are very strict about it.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Sino-Korean origin. Refers to the act of writing something again to make it double.

Cultural Context

Koreans are increasingly sensitive to '무단 복사' (unauthorized copying) due to strong digital copyright laws.

When copying for a superior, always check if they prefer double-sided or single-sided copies.

Most CU and GS25 stores allow you to print and copy using a mobile app or USB.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"복사기 어떻게 써요? (How do I use the copier?)"

"이거 몇 장 복사할까요? (How many copies should I make of this?)"

"컬러 복사 돼요? (Is color copying available?)"

"링크 복사해서 보내줄래? (Can you copy the link and send it to me?)"

"복사기가 왜 안 되죠? (Why isn't the copier working?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 복사기를 사용한 적이 있나요? 무엇을 복사했나요?

디지털 복사가 우리 삶을 어떻게 바꾸었는지 써 보세요.

내가 '인간 복사기'처럼 잘 따라 할 수 있는 것이 있나요?

원본보다 복사본이 더 중요할 때가 언제일까요?

불법 복사에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

복사 is copying an existing physical or digital original. 인쇄 is printing digital data onto paper for the first time.

You say '복사해서 붙여넣기' or the slang '복붙' (Bok-but).

If you use a machine, yes. If you do it by hand, use '베끼다'.

It is called a '복사기' (Boksagi).

Yes, as a loanword, but '복사' is much more common for documents and files.

Say '다섯 장 복사해 주세요' (Daseot jang boksa-hae juseyo).

It means 'Unauthorized copying prohibited' (Copyright warning).

Yes, metaphorically, like '인간 복사기' (human copier).

No, it is a noun. You must add '하다' to make it a verb (복사하다).

In libraries, copy shops (제본소), and many convenience stores (편의점).

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