Translation guide
How to express the concept of a citation (a quotation or reference to a source) in Japanese, depending on context.
To refer to a direct quotation from a person, book, or other source.
The most common and general term for a citation or quotation. Used in academic, formal, and everyday contexts.
This paper contains many citations.
His speech began with a quotation from Shakespeare.
Specifically refers to the quoted text or passage itself.
Please copy the quoted passage accurately.
Loanword from English, used in some contexts but less common than 引用.
This quotation is famous, isn't it?
To cite a book, article, case, or other source in a formal context.
Also used for academic citations. The context makes the meaning clear.
Don't forget to cite your references.
Refers to the source of a citation, such as a book or article. Often used in bibliographies.
Specifically refers to cited references or works cited.
Create a list of cited references.
A notice issued by police or a court requiring someone to appear.
An official recognition or mention of merit.
In everyday conversation about traffic tickets, Japanese speakers often use specific terms like 交通違反切符 or simply 切符 (ticket). Using 引用 in this context would be confusing.
引用 refers to the act of quoting or the quoted material itself. 出典 refers to the source from which the quotation is taken. Use 出典 when you need to specify the origin of a citation.
出典を明記してください。
Please indicate the source.
I got a citation for speeding.
I got a parking ticket.
He received a citation from the general.