Translation guide
How to express 'cite' in Japanese, covering quoting sources, citing as evidence, and legal/military summons.
To refer to or reproduce words from a book, article, or person.
The most common and general verb for quoting or citing a source in academic, formal, or everyday contexts.
彼は論文で多くの文献を引用した。
He cited many references in his paper.
この記事は公式データを引用しています。
This article cites official data.
To mention something as proof, support, or an instance of a point.
Means 'to give/raise an example'. Very common when citing instances or cases.
To officially order someone to appear in court or receive a legal summons.
Standard legal term for issuing a summons or subpoena.
裁判所は証人を召喚した。
The court cited the witness.
Use 引用する when directly reproducing words or text. Use 挙げる when simply mentioning an example or reason without exact wording.
彼の言葉を引用すると、「努力は裏切らない」だ。
To cite his words, 'Effort never betrays you.'
彼は努力の例を挙げた。
He cited an example of effort.
For court summons, use 召喚する. 引用する only means 'to quote'.
A more casual verb meaning 'to quote' or 'to look up', often used for dictionaries or short references.
辞書を引いて例文を確認した。
I looked up the dictionary and checked the example sentence.
Formal term for citing or invoking a precedent, rule, or authority, mainly in legal or academic arguments.
弁護士は判例を援用して主張した。
The lawyer cited a precedent to support his argument.
例を挙げて説明してください。
Please explain by citing an example.
彼はいくつかの理由を挙げた。
He cited several reasons.
To bring up something as an example or reference, often in conversation or informal argument.
彼はよく過去の成功例を引き合いに出す。
He often cites past success stories.
Means 'to mention' or 'refer to'. Used when citing something briefly without detailed quotation.
報告書はその問題に言及している。
The report cites the issue.
Literally 'issue an order to appear', used in legal contexts.
警察は容疑者に出頭命令を出した。
The police cited the suspect to appear.