Translation guide
The English word "reference" covers several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether they mean a source of information, a mention or allusion, a recommendation, or the act of consulting something.
To refer to a book, article, or other material used for information or citation.
Standard term for a reference work or bibliography, especially in academic or research contexts.
レポートの最後に参考文献をリストアップしてください。
Please list the references at the end of your report.
Reference materials or documents used for consultation, broader than just books.
会議の前に参考資料を読んでおいてください。
Please read the reference materials before the meeting.
Formal term for an authoritative source or citation, used mainly in scholarly writing.
この論文では多くの典拠が示されている。
This paper cites many references.
To talk about something or someone indirectly, or to bring up a topic.
A mention or reference to something, often used in formal or written contexts.
彼のスピーチでは環境問題への言及が何度かあった。
His speech included several references to environmental issues.
To touch upon or briefly mention a topic. More casual than 言及.
彼はその問題に軽く触れただけだった。
He only made a brief reference to the issue.
Simply 'to talk about', a very common way to express referring to something in conversation.
会議で新しいプロジェクトについて話しました。
We made reference to the new project at the meeting.
A letter or statement about someone's character or abilities, often for employment.
A letter of recommendation. The standard term in professional and academic settings.
就職活動のために教授に推薦状を書いてもらった。
I asked my professor to write a reference for my job search.
Loanword from English, used in business contexts, especially for a person who can provide a reference.
The action of checking a source for information.
The act of referring to something, often used in instructions or technical contexts.
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.
Reference or consultation, often used in the phrase 参考にする (to use as a reference).
To look up or check something. A very common verb for referring to a source.
わからない言葉は辞書で調べてください。
Please look up any words you don't know in the dictionary.
参考文献 (さんこうぶんけん) specifically refers to written works like books and articles, often listed in a bibliography. 参考資料 (さんこうしりょう) is broader and can include any materials used for reference, such as handouts, slides, or data sheets.
English often uses 'reference' as a verb (e.g., 'I referenced the manual'). In Japanese, it is more natural to use phrases like 参照する (さんしょうする), 参考にする (さんこうにする), or 調べる (しらべる) depending on the context. Simply saying リファレンスする is not standard.
応募書類に推薦状を3通添付してください。
Please provide three references with your application.
In a job application context, 'references' often means letters of recommendation.
その記事は最近のスキャンダルに全く言及していなかった。
The article made no reference to the recent scandal.
今後の参考のために、この書類を保存しておいてください。
For future reference, please save this document.
前の上司をリファレンスとしてリストに載せた。
I listed my former boss as a reference.
A personal reference or guarantor, often required for renting an apartment or certain jobs.
アパートを借りるには身元保証人が必要です。
You need a reference to rent an apartment.
このデータを参考にしてレポートを書きます。
I will write the report with reference to this data.