写します（うつします、utsushimasu）
- to copy

The Japanese verb 写します (うつします, *utsushimasu*) has several meanings, all related to the concept of copying, reflecting, or depicting something. It primarily means "to copy," "to photograph," "to record," or "to reflect" (an image or light). The specific meaning depends on the context of the sentence. It can also imply to transfer something, such as a feeling or a disease. The word often carries the nuance of creating an accurate representation.

⚫︎写真を写します。 Translation: I take a photo. ⚫︎宿題を写しました。 Translation: I copied the homework. ⚫︎鏡に自分の姿を写します。 Translation: I see my reflection in the mirror.

⚫︎You would use 写します in situations where you are taking a photo, copying something, or creating a visual or physical representation of something else. ⚫︎It's common when talking about photography, copying documents, reflecting light or an image, or even expressing someone's feelings. ⚫︎The appropriate usage depends on the context and the intended meaning you want to convey.

⚫︎The verb 写します is written using the kanji 写 (meaning "to copy" or "to reflect") combined with the hiragana します, which indicates the polite present/future tense. ⚫︎The base form of the verb is 写す (うつす, *utsusu*). ⚫︎The hiragana reading is うつします. ⚫︎There is generally no variation in the okurigana (the suffix hiragana).

⚫︎コピーします (*kopii shimasu*) - to copy ⚫︎撮影します (*satsuei shimasu*) - to photograph ⚫︎記録します (*kiroku shimasu*) - to record ⚫︎模写します (*sha shimasu*) - to make a copy, to trace

There is no single direct antonym for 写します as it depends on the specific meaning. However, some possibilities include: ⚫︎ For "to copy": 創る (*tsukuru*) - to create ⚫︎ For "to photograph": 消す (*kesu*) - to erase, to delete (a photo) ⚫︎ For "to reflect": 隠す (*kakusu*) - to hide

この絵を紙に写してください。 ・Translation: Please copy this picture onto the paper. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 写して (the te-form of 写します) to request someone to copy a picture.

あの映画は、現実の出来事を写しています。 ・Translation: That movie reflects real-life events. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 写しています (present progressive tense of 写します) to show how the movie portrays real-life events.

The kanji 写 (音読み: *sha*, 訓読み: *uts(usu)*) originally meant "to copy," "to transcribe," or "to reflect." It evolved from pictographs depicting the act of copying or mirroring. The verb 写します (*utsushimasu*) derived from this kanji, with the addition of verb endings to indicate tense and politeness.