Translation guide
The English phrase "refer to" has several distinct functions: directing someone to a source, mentioning something, describing what a word means, or applying a rule. Japanese uses different expressions depending on the function.
Telling someone to look at or consult a document, book, website, etc.
Polite way to say 'please refer to ~'. Common in instructions and formal writing.
詳しくはマニュアルを参照してください。
For details, please refer to the manual.
Polite 'please look at ~'. Slightly less formal than 参照, used in spoken and written contexts.
こちらの図をご覧ください。
Please refer to this diagram.
To use something as a reference. Often used when you consult something for guidance.
この本を参考にしてレポートを書きました。
I wrote the report referring to this book.
To bring up a topic or person in conversation or writing.
Formal verb meaning 'to mention' or 'to refer to'. Used in speeches, articles, and formal discussions.
彼はその問題に言及した。
He referred to that issue.
Literally 'to touch on', used to mean briefly mentioning a topic. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
その点について少し触れたいと思います。
I'd like to briefly refer to that point.
Casual way to say 'talk about ~'. Not a direct translation but often used when 'refer to' means 'mention'.
さっき彼女のことを話したよね。
We referred to her earlier, didn't we?
Explaining the definition or reference of a term.
Means 'to refer to' in the sense of 'this word refers to that thing'. Common in definitions.
この言葉は何を指していますか？
What does this word refer to?
Literally 'to mean ~'. Used when explaining what a term signifies.
「AI」は人工知能のことを意味します。
'AI' refers to artificial intelligence.
Stating that a rule, law, or statement applies to a particular case.
Passive form meaning 'is applied to'. Used in legal, technical, and formal contexts.
この規則は全員に適用されます。
This rule refers to everyone.
Means 'applies to' or 'fits'. More casual than 適用される.
その条件はこのケースに当てはまります。
That condition refers to this case.
Directly translating 'refer to' as 参照する in all contexts can sound unnatural. Use the appropriate expression based on whether you mean 'consult', 'mention', 'define', or 'apply'.