Copy word

Thai

สำเนา

Pronunciation

sǎmnaw

สำเนา

sǎmnaw

copy

A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.

  1. 1 copy、duplicate
  2. 2 copy、duplicate

This word refers to a copy made from an original, especially a copy of a document, though it can also apply to images and digital data. As a verb, it means to make such a copy.

1

copy、duplicate

Noun⭐️3 Common

A reproduction of an original document, image, or digital item. It is especially common for copies of official documents submitted as part of an application or procedure.

2

copy、duplicate

Verb⭐️2 Not often used

To reproduce text, an image, or data from an original. In everyday use, it commonly appears in the expressions ทำสำเนา and ถ่ายสำเนา.

Learning notes

Explanation

The core idea of สำเนา is something reproduced from a ต้นฉบับ, or original. It is most often used as a noun. The item copied follows สำเนา, as in สำเนาบัตรประชาชน (a copy of an ID card) and สำเนาหนังสือเดินทาง (a copy of a passport). The common expression for making a copy is ทำสำเนา. When paper is reproduced with a photocopier, ถ่ายสำเนา or ถ่ายเอกสาร is often used. In Thai administrative procedures, รับรองสำเนาถูกต้อง is a common expression. It refers to certifying, usually with a signature, that a copy matches the original. Copies of documents are commonly counted with ฉบับ, so สำเนาสองฉบับ means “two copies.”

Usage

It is especially common when copies of identification or certificates must be submitted or attached for procedures at government offices, banks, schools, or workplaces. It is also used when duplicating workplace documents, images, or computer files.

Caution

สำเนา refers to a reproduction, not the original itself, so distinguish it from ต้นฉบับ (“original”). For a backup made to prevent data loss, Thai normally uses สำรองข้อมูล or ข้อมูลสำรอง. A backup has a protective purpose, while สำเนา can be any ordinary copy.

Differences from similar words

1 copy synonyms

  • ก๊อปปี้ is an informal loanword from English and is common in everyday conversation or when talking about photocopying. สำเนา is more neutral and is preferred for official documents and administrative procedures.

2 copy synonyms

  • คัดลอก broadly means to copy text, information, or files elsewhere and can include copying something by hand. สำเนา focuses on producing a duplicate of an original.

  • ถ่ายเอกสาร specifically means to photocopy a paper document with a copying machine. สำเนา is broader and can also refer to duplicating images or digital data.

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