Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to something previously mentioned is often done with specific noun-modifying phrases or set expressions. The most common and neutral way is to use 上記の (jōki no) in formal or written contexts, or 前述の (zenjutsu no) in similar registers. In casual speech, phrases like さっき言った (sakki itta) are more natural. Direct translation of 'above-mentioned' as an adjective is rare in everyday conversation; Japanese prefers to restate or use contextual references.
Use when you need to refer back to an item, point, or topic mentioned earlier in a document, email, or formal speech.
Standard formal/written phrase meaning 'the above-mentioned'. Used in documents, reports, and formal correspondence. Attaches directly before a noun.
上記の理由により、会議は延期となりました。
For the above-mentioned reasons, the meeting has been postponed.
Means 'the aforementioned' or 'previously mentioned'. Slightly more literary than 上記の, but still common in formal writing and speeches.
前述の通り、この問題は解決済みです。
As aforementioned, this issue has been resolved.
Similar to 上記の but used less frequently. Often seen in legal or very formal documents.
前記の条件に同意します。
I agree to the above-mentioned conditions.
Use in everyday conversation when you want to refer back to something you or someone else just mentioned.
Literally 'what I/you said earlier'. Very common in casual speech. Can be used for your own or others' statements.
さっき言ったレストラン、予約したよ。
I made a reservation at that restaurant I mentioned earlier.
Means 'what I/you just said'. Emphasizes immediacy. Often used when correcting or clarifying.
今言ったことは忘れてください。
Please forget what I just said.
Means 'what we talked about the other day'. Refers to a previous conversation, not necessarily immediately preceding.
この前話した映画、見た？
Did you watch that movie we talked about the other day?
Use その, この, or あの to point back to something mentioned, depending on the psychological distance.
Refers to something just mentioned by the listener or in the immediate context. Equivalent to 'that ... you mentioned'.
そのアイデア、いいね。
That idea (you just mentioned) is good.
Refers to something the speaker just mentioned or is about to mention. Often used to introduce a topic.
この問題については後で話します。
Regarding this issue (I just mentioned), we'll talk later.
Refers to something both speaker and listener know from a shared past experience, not necessarily just mentioned.
あの話、まだ覚えてる？
Do you still remember that story (we both know about)?
Specific terms used in contracts, patents, or academic papers to refer to previously defined items.
Used in very formal legal or academic writing to mean 'cited above' or 'aforementioned'. Rare in general use.
前掲の文献を参照のこと。
Refer to the aforementioned literature.
Archaic term meaning 'mentioned on the right' (in vertical writing). Now mostly obsolete except in some legal templates.
右記の通り相違ありません。
As stated above (on the right), there is no discrepancy.
In casual conversation, directly translating 'above-mentioned' as 上記の sounds overly formal and unnatural. Instead, use phrases like さっき言った or simply restate the item with その.
上記の件についてですが…
Regarding the above-mentioned matter... (too formal for casual chat)
Both mean 'above-mentioned', but 上記 is more common in business documents and emails, while 前述 is slightly more literary and often used in speeches or essays. In many cases they are interchangeable.
上記の内容をご確認ください。
Please check the above-mentioned content.
前述のとおり、計画は変更されました。
As aforementioned, the plan has been changed.