referencia

reh-feh-REHN-syahrefeˈrenθja

“referencia” means “reference” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

reference🔊B1Noun

source of information or standard

mention or allusion

professional recommendation

Learn more →

reference

Also: citation, benchmark

NounfB1

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

📝 In Action

Necesito la referencia bibliográfica para terminar mi ensayo.

I need the bibliographic reference to finish my essay.

Este mapa es nuestra única referencia para encontrar el camino.

This map is our only reference for finding the way.

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

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

reference

Also: nod, allusion

NounfB1

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.

📝 In Action

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

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

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

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

¿Entendiste la referencia que hizo sobre el fútbol?

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

reference

Also: referee, character witness

NounfB2 formal

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

📝 In Action

Necesitas tres referencias personales para el puesto de trabajo.

You need three personal references for the job position.

Mi antiguo jefe me dio una excelente referencia.

My old boss gave me an excellent reference.

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

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

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "referencia" in Spanish:

allusion→benchmark→character witness→citation→nod→referee→reference→

✏️ 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

🎵 Rhymes▼

diferencia conciencia

📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin *referentia*, which means 'a relation or a reference back.' It is built on the Latin verb *referre*, meaning 'to carry back' or 'to relate,' combining *re-* (back) and *ferre* (to carry).

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: referenceFrench: référence

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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.