copiare

Copiare is the Italian verb meaning to copy, imitate, or reproduce content or objects. It is commonly used for duplicating a document, an image, or information from a source, as well as for transferring data in computing (for example, copying a file). The sense can be physical, such as duplicating a drawing, or abstract, such as copying ideas or text. In everyday language, copia is often paired with phrases like copiare da una fonte or copiare/incollare in digital contexts.

Etymology and usage notes

Copiare derives from Latin or medieval Italian forms related to copia, meaning a copy or supply. The word reflects the general notion of reproducing something that already exists. In Italian, copiare is almost always transitive and takes an object: copiare un testo, copiare un file. The noun copia complements the verb, with meanings such as la copia (the copy, duplicate) or avere una copia di sicurezza (a backup copy). In formal or academic contexts, copia has a negative connotation when it implies plagiarism or uncredited imitation.

Conjugation and forms

Copiare is a regular -are verb. In the present indicative: io copio, tu copi, lui/lei copia, noi copiamo, voi copiate, loro copiano. Other common forms include ho copiato (passato prossimo), copiavo (imperfetto), copierò (futuro), che io copi (congiuntivo presente), e coprirei (condizionale). The gerundio is copiando, and the participio passato is copiato/comparato.

See also: copia, plagio, incolla.