Translation guide
The English phrase "refer to" has several distinct functions: directing someone to a source, mentioning something, describing what a word means, or applying a rule. Japanese uses different expressions depending on the function.
Telling someone to look at or consult a document, book, website, etc.
Polite way to say 'please refer to ~'. Common in instructions and formal writing.
For details, please refer to the manual.
Polite 'please look at ~'. Slightly less formal than 参照, used in spoken and written contexts.
Please refer to this diagram.
To use something as a reference. Often used when you consult something for guidance.
I wrote the report referring to this book.
To bring up a topic or person in conversation or writing.
Formal verb meaning 'to mention' or 'to refer to'. Used in speeches, articles, and formal discussions.
He referred to that issue.
Literally 'to touch on', used to mean briefly mentioning a topic. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
Casual way to say 'talk about ~'. Not a direct translation but often used when 'refer to' means 'mention'.
We referred to her earlier, didn't we?
Explaining the definition or reference of a term.
Stating that a rule, law, or statement applies to a particular case.
Directly translating 'refer to' as 参照する in all contexts can sound unnatural. Use the appropriate expression based on whether you mean 'consult', 'mention', 'define', or 'apply'.
I'd like to briefly refer to that point.
'AI' refers to artificial intelligence.