사본 in 30 Seconds
- A '사본' is a formal noun meaning a copy or duplicate of a document, essential for Korean administrative and office tasks.
- It is the direct antonym of '원본' (original) and is usually preceded by the name of the document being copied.
- Commonly used in phrases like '신분증 사본' (ID copy) or '통장 사본' (bankbook copy) during official procedures.
- While similar to '복사본' (photocopy), '사본' is the preferred term in legal, academic, and professional document listings.
The Korean word 사본 (Sabon) is a fundamental noun in the realm of administration, law, and daily office work. Etymologically rooted in Hanja, the character 사 (寫) means to write, draw, or copy, while 본 (本) refers to a root, basis, or a book/document. Together, they form a word that literally translates to a 'copied document.' Unlike the broader term 'copy' in English, which can refer to physical objects or digital files, 사본 specifically targets the concept of a duplicate of a document, manuscript, or an original piece of writing. It is the essential counterpart to 원본 (Wonbon), which is the original document.
- Administrative Context
- In South Korea, bureaucratic procedures are rigorous. Whether you are applying for a visa, opening a bank account, or signing a rental contract, you will frequently hear the request for a 'sabon.' For instance, '신분증 사본' (a copy of your ID) is perhaps the most common phrase an expatriate or a citizen will encounter at a government office. It denotes that the original stays with you, but the office requires a duplicate for their records.
계약서의 사본을 잘 보관해 두세요. (Please keep the copy of the contract safely.)
Historically, before the advent of photocopiers, 사본 referred to hand-copied manuscripts. Scholars would spend months creating a 필사본 (Pilsabon)—a manuscript copy—to preserve knowledge. In modern times, the word has evolved to include digital duplicates, though '복사본' (Boksabon) is more commonly used for physical photocopies from a machine. However, in legal and formal settings, 사본 remains the preferred term to distinguish the duplicate from the 'original' (원본) or the 'certified copy' (등본).
- Distinction from Similar Terms
- It is crucial to distinguish '사본' from '복사' (the act of copying) and '등본' (a certified transcript). While '복사' is the verb/action, '사본' is the resulting object. '등본' is a specific type of copy that contains the entire record of an original, often issued by a government authority with an official seal.
통장 사본이 필요합니다. (A copy of your bankbook is required.)
In the digital age, when you copy a file on a computer, the resulting file is technically a '사본,' but Koreans often use the English loanword '카피' (copy) or '복사본' in technical contexts. However, in any situation involving 'documents' (서류), 사본 is the king of vocabulary. It conveys a sense of formality and specific reference to the content of the original being preserved exactly as it is.
Using 사본 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and the common verbs it pairs with. Since it refers to a physical or digital object, it most frequently takes the object marker -을/를 or the subject marker -이/가. The grammar is straightforward, but the context is what dictates its usage. It is almost always preceded by another noun that describes what the copy is of, such as '신분증' (ID), '계약서' (contract), or '여권' (passport).
- Common Verb Pairings
- The most common verbs used with '사본' are 제출하다 (to submit), 만들다 (to make), 보관하다 (to keep/store), and 첨부하다 (to attach). For example, '사본을 제출해 주세요' (Please submit a copy) is a standard phrase in offices.
이 서류의 사본을 세 장 만들어 주세요. (Please make three copies of this document.)
Another important usage is in the phrase '사본을 만들다' vs. '복사하다'. While '복사하다' means 'to photocopy,' '사본을 만들다' emphasizes the creation of the duplicate document itself. In formal writing, you might see '사본 1부' (one copy), where '부' (bu) is the counter for documents. This is the standard way to list attachments at the end of a formal letter or business proposal.
- Usage in Email and Digital Work
- In emails, '사본' is used when referring to scanned copies of physical documents. '여권 사본을 이메일에 첨부했습니다' (I have attached a copy of my passport to the email). It is less common to use '사본' for a simple Word file copy (where '복사본' or '파일' is used), but it is used when the digital file represents an official paper original.
원본은 본인이 갖고 사본만 보내주세요. (Keep the original yourself and only send the copy.)
When talking about multiple copies, you use numbers with '부' or '장.' '사본 두 부' (two sets of copies) or '사본 두 장' (two sheets of copies). The choice depends on whether the document is a single page or a multi-page set. Understanding these nuances helps in navigating Korean office culture where document management is taken very seriously.
The word 사본 is ubiquitous in South Korean professional and civic life. If you are living in Korea, the most likely place you will hear it is at a 주민센터 (Community Center) or an 출입국관리사무소 (Immigration Office). Officers there will often rattle off a list of required documents, and '사본' will be a recurring term. They might say, '졸업 증명서 사본이 필요해요' (We need a copy of your graduation certificate).
- Banking and Finance
- At a bank, when setting up automatic transfers or applying for a loan, the teller will ask for a '통장 사본' (bankbook copy). In the past, this meant photocopying the first page of your physical bankbook. Nowadays, with mobile banking, there is often a specific button in the app labeled '통장 사본 보기' (View bankbook copy) which generates a digital image for this very purpose.
지원하려면 자격증 사본을 스캔해서 올려야 합니다. (To apply, you must scan and upload a copy of your license.)
In the corporate world, HR departments (인사과) are the primary users of this word. When you are hired, they will request '사본' of your ID, bankbook for salary deposits, and various certifications. During meetings, a manager might ask an assistant to '사본을 돌리다' (distribute copies) of the agenda or report. Here, it signifies that everyone is looking at a duplicate of the master document.
- Academic and Artistic Settings
- In universities, professors might refer to '사본' when discussing historical texts or manuscripts. In the art world, while '복제' (reproduction) is used for physical objects, '사본' might be used for a copy of a famous calligraphic work or a historical scroll. It carries a weight of 'faithful reproduction of the written word.'
이 책은 조선 시대의 희귀한 사본입니다. (This book is a rare copy/manuscript from the Joseon Dynasty.)
Finally, in the legal system, lawyers and judges deal with '사본' constantly. Evidence is often presented as a copy to protect the original. The term '부본' (Bubon) is a more technical legal term for a duplicate, but '사본' is the general term used even by legal professionals in daily conversation. If you are watching a Korean legal drama, listen for the moment a character demands to see the '원본' to prove a '사본' was forged!
While 사본 is a relatively simple noun, English speakers and Korean learners often make specific errors regarding its scope and nuance. The most common mistake is using '사본' for items that are not documents. For example, if you make a copy of a key, you cannot call it a '열쇠 사본.' Instead, you should use '복사' or '복제' (reproduction/duplication). '사본' is strictly reserved for things that are written or printed on paper (or their digital representations).
- Confusing 사본 with 복사본
- Many learners use '복사본' (Boksabon) and '사본' interchangeably. While they are often synonyms, '복사본' specifically implies a photocopy made by a machine. '사본' is more general and formal. If you are submitting a 'copy' to a government office, '사본' is the more professional choice. Using '복사본' isn't necessarily wrong, but it sounds slightly more casual, like 'the xeroxed sheet' versus 'the copy of the document.'
❌ 이 장난감의 사본이 있나요? (Do you have a copy of this toy?)
✅ 이 장난감의 복제품이 있나요? (Do you have a reproduction of this toy?)
Another frequent error is the confusion between 사본 and 등본 (Deungbon). A '사본' is just a copy. A '등본' is a certified transcript of an entire official record (like a family registry). If a bank asks for a '주민등록등본' (Resident Registration Transcript), you cannot just give them a '사본' (photocopy) of your ID card. They are two different legal documents. Providing a '사본' when a '등본' is required is a classic administrative mistake for foreigners in Korea.
- Misusing Counters
- When counting copies, learners often use '개' (the general counter). However, documents should use '장' (for sheets) or '부' (for sets/volumes). Saying '사본 한 개' sounds unnatural. Instead, say '사본 한 장' (one sheet) or '사본 한 부' (one copy of a multi-page document).
❌ 사본 한 개 주세요. (Give me one 'piece' of copy.)
✅ 사본 한 장 주세요. (Give me one sheet of the copy.)
Lastly, be careful with the word 복제품 (Bokjepum). While it also means 'copy,' it refers to a physical replica or counterfeit of a physical object (like a fake handbag or a replica statue). Using '복제품' for a document copy sounds like you are talking about a forged historical artifact rather than a simple office photocopy.
To truly master 사본, one must understand the constellation of related words that populate the Korean 'copy' landscape. Depending on the context—legal, technical, or casual—different words are appropriate. Below is a comparison of the most common alternatives.
- 사본 vs. 원본
- These are direct opposites. 원본 (Wonbon) is the original document, often with the real ink signature or seal. 사본 is the duplicate. In most Korean administrative tasks, you must show the 원본 for verification, but you submit the 사본 for the records.
- 사본 vs. 복사본
- 복사본 (Boksabon) emphasizes the method of creation—photocopying. It is more commonly used for casual office tasks ('Who left this photocopy here?'). 사본 is the formal term used in document listings and official requests.
- 사본 vs. 등본/초본
- 등본 (Deungbon) is a certified copy of the entire record, while 초본 (Chobon) is a certified extract of just the relevant parts. These are official government documents, whereas a '사본' can be a copy of anything.
원본과 사본을 대조해 보았습니다. (I compared the original and the copy.)
In more specialized contexts, you might encounter 부본 (Bubon). This is a formal legal term for a duplicate copy of a lawsuit or a contract that has the same legal effect as the original. You will see this in court documents. Another rare but interesting term is 필사본 (Pilsabon), which refers to a hand-written copy, usually of a book or an ancient text. This is a favorite word in history and literature departments.
Finally, when dealing with digital files, the term 복제 (Bokje) is often used for the act of duplicating data. However, if you are looking at a PDF of a paper document, '사본' is still the most appropriate term because the PDF represents a 'document.' Understanding these distinctions prevents confusion during important procedures like applying for a job or a visa in Korea.
Examples by Level
사본 주세요.
Please give me a copy.
Simple noun + 주세요 (request).
이거 사본이에요?
Is this a copy?
Noun + 이에요/예요 (to be).
사본이 없어요.
I don't have a copy.
Noun + 이/가 없어요 (to not have).
신분증 사본이 필요해요.
I need a copy of your ID.
Noun + 이/가 필요해요 (to need).
사본 한 장 있어요.
I have one copy.
Counting: Noun + number + 장 (sheet).
사본을 만들어요.
I am making a copy.
Noun + 을/를 + verb (object marker).
여기 사본이 있습니다.
Here is the copy.
Formal 'there is' (있습니다).
사본을 보세요.
Please look at the copy.
Imperative -세요.
여권 사본을 제출해 주세요.
Please submit a copy of your passport.
Compound noun (여권 사본).
통장 사본이 어디에 있어요?
Where is the copy of the bankbook?
Location particle -에.
사본을 세 장 복사해 주세요.
Please make three photocopies.
Using '사본' as the object of '복사하다'.
이 서류는 원본이 아니라 사본이에요.
This document is not the original; it's a copy.
Noun + 이/가 아니라 (not Noun A, but B).
이메일로 사본을 보냈습니다.
I sent the copy by email.
Instrumental particle -로 (by/via).
사본을 가방에 넣으세요.
Put the copy in your bag.
Directional particle -에.
그 사본은 너무 흐려요.
That copy is too blurry.
Adjective '흐리다' (to be blurry/faint).
사본을 다시 가져오세요.
Please bring the copy again.
Verb '가져오다' (to bring).
계약서 사본에 서명해 주세요.
Please sign the copy of the contract.
Particle -에 indicating the target of the action.
중요한 서류는 항상 사본을 만들어 둡니다.
I always make copies of important documents (for future use).
Auxiliary verb -어 두다 (doing something in advance).
사본을 스캔해서 이메일에 첨부했습니다.
I scanned the copy and attached it to the email.
Sequential action -아/어서.
원본은 집에 있고 사본만 회사에 가져왔어요.
The original is at home and I only brought the copy to the office.
Contrastive particle -만 (only).
이 사본은 법적 효력이 있나요?
Does this copy have legal effect?
Legal terminology '법적 효력'.
사본이 원본과 똑같은지 확인하세요.
Check if the copy is identical to the original.
Indirect question -는지 확인하다.
컴퓨터에 사본을 저장해 놓으세요.
Save a copy on the computer.
Auxiliary verb -어 놓다 (to keep in a state).
사본을 잃어버리지 않게 조심하세요.
Be careful not to lose the copy.
-지 않게 (so that something doesn't happen).
원본 대조 필이 찍힌 사본을 제출해야 합니다.
You must submit a copy stamped with 'Original Verified'.
Passive participle '찍힌' (stamped).
그 사본은 위조된 것으로 판명되었습니다.
That copy was found to be forged.
Passive construction '위조된' and '판명되다' (to be proved).
모든 사본은 파쇄기에 넣어 폐기해 주세요.
Please dispose of all copies in the shredder.
Compound verb '폐기하다' (to discard/dispose).
사본을 분실했을 경우 즉시 보고하십시오.
In case you lose the copy, report it immediately.
Formal conditional '-(으)ㄹ 경우'.
이 문서는 사본임에도 불구하고 가치가 높습니다.
Despite being a copy, this document is highly valuable.
Concessive '-음에도 불구하고' (despite being).
사본을 만들 때 개인 정보가 유출되지 않도록 주의하십시오.
When making copies, be careful not to leak personal information.
-지 않도록 (so that... not).
사본의 내용을 원본과 일일이 대조해 보았습니다.
I compared the content of the copy with the original one by one.
Adverb '일일이' (one by one).
이 사본은 15세기에 제작된 것입니다.
This copy was produced in the 15th century.
Past tense modifier '-ㄴ 것'.
해당 고문서의 사본은 국립중앙도서관에 소장되어 있습니다.
A copy of the ancient document in question is held in the National Library of Korea.
Passive '소장되어 있다' (to be in possession/collection).
사본의 필체를 통해 원작자를 추정할 수 있습니다.
The original author can be estimated through the handwriting of the copy.
Through/via '-를 통해'.
디지털 사본의 무단 배포는 저작권법 위반입니다.
Unauthorized distribution of digital copies is a violation of copyright law.
Academic/Legal terminology.
이 사본은 원본의 손상을 방지하기 위해 제작되었습니다.
This copy was created to prevent damage to the original.
-기 위해 (in order to).
사본 간의 미세한 차이를 분석하여 계보를 파악합니다.
By analyzing subtle differences between copies, the lineage is identified.
Causal connection '-하여'.
필사본은 인쇄본과는 다른 독특한 가치를 지닙니다.
Handwritten copies possess a unique value different from printed versions.
Comparison '-와는 다른'.
사본의 진위 여부를 가리기 위해 감정을 의뢰했습니다.
I requested an appraisal to determine the authenticity of the copy.
Determining '진위 여부' (true or false status).
역사적 사료로서의 사본은 원본 못지않게 중요합니다.
As historical data, copies are no less important than originals.
-못지않게 (no less than).
복제 기술의 발달로 원본과 사본의 경계가 모호해지고 있습니다.
With the development of reproduction technology, the boundary between original and copy is becoming blurred.
Resultative '-어/아지다' (to become).
벤야민은 기술 복제 시대의 예술 작품에서 '아우라'의 상실을 사본의 특징으로 꼽았습니다.
Benjamin cited the loss of 'aura' in works of art in the age of mechanical reproduction as a characteristic of the copy.
Quoting and citing 'A as B' (A를 B로 꼽다).
사본이 원본을 대체하는 시뮬라크르 현상이 도처에서 관찰됩니다.
The phenomenon of simulacra, where the copy replaces the original, is observed everywhere.
Philosophical terminology '시뮬라크르'.
디지털 사본은 열화 없이 무한히 복제될 수 있다는 점에서 아날로그 사본과 궤를 달리합니다.
Digital copies differ from analog ones in that they can be replicated infinitely without degradation.
Idiom '궤를 달리하다' (to follow a different path/logic).
사본의 범람은 원본의 유일무이성이라는 가치를 더욱 공고히 하기도 합니다.
The flood of copies sometimes further solidifies the value of the original's uniqueness.
Emphatic '-기도 하다'.
고문헌 연구에서 사본 비평은 텍스트의 원형을 복원하는 핵심적인 과정입니다.
In the study of ancient texts, copy criticism is a key process in restoring the original form of the text.
Subjective noun '사본 비평' (copy criticism).
현대 사회에서 데이터 사본의 관리는 국가 안보와 직결되는 중차대한 사안입니다.
In modern society, the management of data copies is a critical issue directly linked to national security.
Direct link '-와 직결되다'.
사본은 비록 복제품일지라도 그 자체로 제작 당시의 시대상을 반영하는 거울이 되기도 합니다.
Even if it is a reproduction, a copy can itself become a mirror reflecting the era of its creation.
Concessive '-일지라도' (even if it is).
Common Collocations
Summary
The word '사본' is your go-to term for any 'document copy' in Korea. Whether you are at the bank, immigration office, or school, knowing this word helps you provide the right materials without giving away your precious originals. Example: '신분증 사본을 준비해 주세요' (Please prepare a copy of your ID).
- A '사본' is a formal noun meaning a copy or duplicate of a document, essential for Korean administrative and office tasks.
- It is the direct antonym of '원본' (original) and is usually preceded by the name of the document being copied.
- Commonly used in phrases like '신분증 사본' (ID copy) or '통장 사본' (bankbook copy) during official procedures.
- While similar to '복사본' (photocopy), '사본' is the preferred term in legal, academic, and professional document listings.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More business words
에 대한
A2Concerning or relating to; about, regarding.
~대하여
A2About, concerning, regarding.
대해서
A2Concerning or with regard to; about, regarding.
에 대해
A2About; regarding.
풍요롭다
A2To be abundant, prosperous, or rich.
관철하다
B2To carry through, achieve, or persist in one's will or goal until it is accomplished, despite difficulties.
~에 따라
B1According to, depending on; as stated by or determined by.
에 따라
A2According to; in accordance with.
에 의하면
B1According to; as stated by or reported by.
계좌번호
A2A unique identifier for a bank account.
