Translation guide
The English word 'referee' refers to an official who enforces rules in sports or a person who provides a reference. In Japanese, different terms are used depending on the context: sports officiating, academic/professional references, or dispute resolution.
An official who enforces rules during a game or match.
General term for referee, umpire, or judge in sports. Can be used for most sports.
サッカーの審判は大変だ。
Being a soccer referee is tough.
審判の判定に選手が抗議した。
The player protested the referee's decision.
Loanword from English, used specifically for sports like soccer, basketball, and boxing where the official moves with the play.
レフェリーが笛を吹いた。
The referee blew the whistle.
Loanword for 'umpire', used mainly in baseball and tennis.
野球のアンパイアはストライクをコールした。
The baseball umpire called a strike.
A person who vouches for someone's character or qualifications, e.g., for a job application.
A person who recommends someone, often used in academic or job contexts.
応募書類に推薦者の名前を書いてください。
Please write the name of your referee on the application form.
Literally 'inquiry destination', used in formal contexts like job references.
Loanword used in international or academic settings.
A person who settles disputes or makes judgments outside of sports.
An arbitrator or mediator who resolves disputes.
仲裁人が両者の間に入って話し合いを進めた。
The referee facilitated the discussion between the two parties.
A mediator, often in legal or formal dispute resolution.
調停者が紛争解決に尽力した。
The referee worked hard to resolve the dispute.
審判 is the safest, most general term for any sports official. レフェリー is used for sports where the official is on the field/court (soccer, basketball, boxing). アンパイア is mainly for baseball and tennis. In casual conversation, 審判 covers all.
Do not use 審判 for a job reference. Use 推薦者 or 照会先. 審判 only means referee in sports or judgment contexts.
I listed my former boss as a referee.
May I give your name as a referee?