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referencia

/reh-feh-REHN-syah/

reference

A large, sturdy, open book resting on a wooden stand, symbolizing a definitive source of knowledge or a standard reference point.

Visualizing referencia as a source of information or standard.

referencia(noun)

fB1

reference

?

source of information or standard

Also:

citation

?

academic source

,

benchmark

?

point of comparison

📝 In Action

Necesito la referencia bibliográfica para terminar mi ensayo.

B2

I need the bibliographic reference to finish my essay.

Este mapa es nuestra única referencia para encontrar el camino.

B1

This map is our only reference for finding the way.

Toma esta foto como referencia de cómo debe verse el pastel.

B1

Take this photo as a reference for how the cake should look.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • fuente (source)
  • dato (piece of information)

Common Collocations

  • punto de referencia – landmark / reference point
  • libro de referencia – reference book

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Alert

Remember that 'referencia' is always feminine, so you must use 'la referencia' or 'una referencia'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'Referencia'

When you want to say 'for reference,' Spanish often uses 'como referencia' or simply 'de referencia'.

A stylized figure speaking and subtly pointing their index finger towards the shape of a simple crown visible behind a partially drawn curtain, illustrating an allusion or mention.

Visualizing referencia as a mention or allusion.

referencia(noun)

fB1

reference

?

mention or allusion

Also:

nod

?

subtle reference

,

allusion

?

indirect mention

📝 In Action

El director hizo una referencia a una película antigua en la última escena.

B1

The director made a reference to an old movie in the last scene.

En su discurso, no hizo ninguna referencia a la crisis económica.

B2

In his speech, he didn't make any reference to the economic crisis.

¿Entendiste la referencia que hizo sobre el fútbol?

B1

Did you understand the reference he made about soccer?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • mención (mention)
  • alusión (allusion)

Common Collocations

  • hacer referencia a – to refer to / to make reference to
  • una clara referencia – a clear reference

💡 Grammar Points

Verb Partner

The most common verb used with 'referencia' in this context is 'hacer' (to make), as in 'hacer una referencia' (to make a reference/to mention).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing the Verb

Mistake: "Using 'dar referencia' (to give reference) when mentioning something."

Correction: Use 'hacer una referencia' (to make a reference/mention). 'Dar una referencia' is reserved for job recommendations (see Definition 3).

A distinguished mentor figure confidently handing a tightly rolled parchment scroll, symbolizing a recommendation letter, to a younger, professional figure.

Visualizing referencia as a professional recommendation.

referencia(noun)

fB2

reference

?

professional recommendation

Also:

referee

?

the person giving the reference

,

character witness

?

legal or personal context

📝 In Action

Necesitas tres referencias personales para el puesto de trabajo.

B2

You need three personal references for the job position.

Mi antiguo jefe me dio una excelente referencia.

B2

My old boss gave me an excellent reference.

Por favor, incluya el nombre y contacto de su referencia laboral.

C1

Please include the name and contact information of your employment reference.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • recomendación (recommendation)
  • aval (guarantee)

Common Collocations

  • referencia laboral – employment reference
  • referencia personal – personal reference

💡 Grammar Points

The Verb 'Dar'

In this specific context (job applications), the verb used is usually 'dar' (to give): 'dar una referencia' means to provide a recommendation.

⭐ Usage Tips

The Person vs. The Document

In Spanish, 'referencia' can mean both the written recommendation and the person who gives it (the referee). Context usually clarifies which one you mean.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: referencia

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'referencia' in the sense of a formal recommendation for a job?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

referir(to refer) - verb
referente(referent / relating to) - adjective/noun

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Es 'referencia' lo mismo que 'referente'?

No, they are related but different. 'Referencia' is usually the source, the mention, or the document itself. 'Referente' (often used as an adjective or noun) means 'relating to' something, or it can describe a person who is an important role model or standard.