写す To Copy

Meaning

Primary

To Copy

Alternatives

To Photograph, To Take A Picture

Word Type

transitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means copy so you know this means to copy. You know this word means "to copy" because it ends with す. You're copying the documents you need to sue (す) someone who screwed you over.

Reading

うつす

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with this kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

You have to remember the うつ part. To remember that, think of yourself as a beatboxer. You're saying うつうつうつ over and over again. Thing is, the other beatboxer is going to copy everything you do. That's why you're suing him.

Context

Common Word Combinations

• 〜に写す

  スクリーンに写す

  to project onto a screen

  カメラに写す

  to capture on camera

  ノートに写す

  to transcribe in a notebook

• 〜を写す

  心を写す

  to capture someone's essence, to reflect someone's state of mind

  人を写す

  to photograph people

  月を写す

  to photograph the moon

Context Sentences

今日のクラスのノート、写してもいい？

Can I copy your notes from today's class?

カメラは平気ですが、他の人は写さないで下さいね。

Cameras are fine, but please do not take photographs of others.

わたしのサイン、写したでしょ？

You copied my signature, didn't you?

Kanji Composition

1. 写

   しゃ Copy