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.
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.
When a person recommends a business or professional to someone else, or when a client is introduced.
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.
Formal recommendation, often used in official or written contexts, like a letter of recommendation.
When someone suggests a person, place, or thing to another person.
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.
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.
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.
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.
推薦状を書いていただけませんか。
Could you write a letter of recommendation for me?
友達を紹介します。
Let me introduce my friend.