Japanese symbol for “reproduce”
写す
うつす
Romaji: utsusu
to copy; to duplicate; to reproduce; to trace
In Japanese, reproduce is 写す, read うつす (utsusu).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- v5s, vt to copy; to duplicate; to reproduce; to trace; to transcribe
- v5s, vt to describe; to depict; to portray; to express
- v5s, vt to imitate; to model after
- v5s, vt to take (a photo); to photograph; to film; to shoot
Written forms: 写す、撮す. Readings: うつす.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “reproduce”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 写し取る | うつしとる utsushitoru | to make a copy (of); to copy (down); to transcribe |
| なぞる | なぞる nazoru | to imitate; to copy; to reproduce |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 写真 | しゃしん shashin | photograph; photo; picture |
| 描写 | びょうしゃ byousha | depiction; description; portrayal |
| 写る | うつる utsuru | to be photographed; to be projected |
| 被写体 | ひしゃたい hishatai | (photographic) subject |
| 実写 | じっしゃ jissha | live action (as opposed to animation) |
See also: Chinese symbol for “reproduce”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.