Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'referral' in Japanese, covering medical referrals, business/client referrals, and general recommendations.
When a doctor sends a patient to a specialist or another medical facility.
A referral letter or document. This is the standard term for a written medical referral.
When a person recommends a business or professional to someone else, or when a client is introduced.
When someone suggests a person, place, or thing to another person.
紹介 (shōkai) is a neutral introduction or referral, often used for people or services. 推薦 (suisen) is a formal recommendation, like for a job or award. おすすめ (osusume) is a casual, personal recommendation, like for a restaurant or movie.
医者の紹介で専門医に行った。
I went to a specialist through a doctor's referral.
教授の推薦で大学院に合格した。
I got into graduate school with a professor's recommendation.
専門医に診てもらうには紹介状が必要です。
You need a referral letter to see a specialist.
The act of referring. Often used in phrases like 紹介する (to refer) or 紹介を受ける (to receive a referral).
かかりつけ医から専門医への紹介を受けた。
I got a referral from my primary care doctor to a specialist.
A common phrase used when arriving at a clinic or hospital with a referral. Literally 'I came by referral'.
○○医院の紹介で来ました。
I'm here with a referral from XX Clinic.
The general term for introduction or referral in business contexts. Can be used as a noun or verb (紹介する).
お客様をご紹介いただきありがとうございます。
Thank you for referring the client to us.
知人からの紹介でこの会社を知りました。
I learned about this company through a referral from an acquaintance.
Word-of-mouth referral. Often used for informal recommendations, online reviews, or buzz.
口コミで評判のレストランに行ってみた。
I tried a restaurant that's popular by word-of-mouth.
Formal recommendation, often used in official or written contexts, like a letter of recommendation.
推薦状を書いていただけませんか。
Could you write a letter of recommendation for me?
Recommendation. Very common in everyday speech for suggesting restaurants, products, etc.
この店は友達のおすすめです。
This shop was recommended by a friend.
Can also be used for general introductions of people or things, not just formal referrals.
友達を紹介します。
Let me introduce my friend.
このラーメン屋は店長のおすすめです。
This ramen shop is the manager's recommendation.
このラーメン屋は店長のおすすめです。
This ramen shop is the manager's recommendation.