Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to something previously mentioned is often done with specific noun-modifying phrases or set expressions. The most common and neutral way is to use 上記の (jōki no) in formal or written contexts, or 前述の (zenjutsu no) in similar registers. In casual speech, phrases like さっき言った (sakki itta) are more natural. Direct translation of 'above-mentioned' as an adjective is rare in everyday conversation; Japanese prefers to restate or use contextual references.
Use when you need to refer back to an item, point, or topic mentioned earlier in a document, email, or formal speech.
Standard formal/written phrase meaning 'the above-mentioned'. Used in documents, reports, and formal correspondence. Attaches directly before a noun.
For the above-mentioned reasons, the meeting has been postponed.
Means 'the aforementioned' or 'previously mentioned'. Slightly more literary than 上記の, but still common in formal writing and speeches.
Similar to 上記の but used less frequently. Often seen in legal or very formal documents.
I agree to the above-mentioned conditions.
Use in everyday conversation when you want to refer back to something you or someone else just mentioned.
Literally 'what I/you said earlier'. Very common in casual speech. Can be used for your own or others' statements.
Use その, この, or あの to point back to something mentioned, depending on the psychological distance.
Refers to something just mentioned by the listener or in the immediate context. Equivalent to 'that ... you mentioned'.
That idea (you just mentioned) is good.
Specific terms used in contracts, patents, or academic papers to refer to previously defined items.
Used in very formal legal or academic writing to mean 'cited above' or 'aforementioned'. Rare in general use.
In casual conversation, directly translating 'above-mentioned' as 上記の sounds overly formal and unnatural. Instead, use phrases like さっき言った or simply restate the item with その.
Regarding the above-mentioned matter... (too formal for casual chat)
Both mean 'above-mentioned', but 上記 is more common in business documents and emails, while 前述 is slightly more literary and often used in speeches or essays. In many cases they are interchangeable.
As aforementioned, this issue has been resolved.
I made a reservation at that restaurant I mentioned earlier.
Means 'what I/you just said'. Emphasizes immediacy. Often used when correcting or clarifying.
Please forget what I just said.
Means 'what we talked about the other day'. Refers to a previous conversation, not necessarily immediately preceding.
Did you watch that movie we talked about the other day?
Refers to something the speaker just mentioned or is about to mention. Often used to introduce a topic.
Regarding this issue (I just mentioned), we'll talk later.
Refers to something both speaker and listener know from a shared past experience, not necessarily just mentioned.
Do you still remember that story (we both know about)?
Refer to the aforementioned literature.
Archaic term meaning 'mentioned on the right' (in vertical writing). Now mostly obsolete except in some legal templates.
As stated above (on the right), there is no discrepancy.
Please check the above-mentioned content.
As aforementioned, the plan has been changed.