复制 (fù zhì) is a verb meaning 'to copy'—most commonly used in digital or document contexts, such as copying a file, text, image, or link on a computer or smartphone. The character 复 (fù) carries meanings of 'again', 're-', or 'return', while 制 (zhì) means 'to make', 'to produce', or 'to manufacture'. Together, they literally suggest 'making again'—emphasizing the reproduction of an original without alteration. It is neutral in register and widely used in both formal technical instructions and everyday conversation.

This word is rarely used for physical duplication like photocopying paper (where 复印 is preferred), and never for biological reproduction or imitation in artistic or behavioral senses. It’s almost always transitive and requires an object (e.g., 复制文件, 复制链接). In spoken Chinese, it’s common to shorten it to 复制 in commands ('Please copy this') or in interface prompts ('Copy successful').