How to Say "to refer" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to refer” is “referir” — use 'referir' when you are directing someone to a specific person, place, or source of information, often in a professional or informational context.
Use 'referir' when you are directing someone to a specific person, place, or source of information, often in a professional or informational context.
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Use 'derivar' primarily in medical or professional contexts to indicate a formal redirection of a case or patient to a specialist or a different department.
Learn more →reh-feh-REERrefeˈɾiɾ
Examples
El profesor refirió a los estudiantes a la biblioteca para más investigación.
The professor referred the students to the library for further research.
Mi médico me refirió a un cardiólogo.
My doctor referred me to a cardiologist.
El profesor nos refirió a la página diez del libro.
The teacher referred us to page ten of the book.
Siempre refieren a sus clientes a la oficina central.
They always refer their clients to the main office.
The Stem Change
This verb is a 'boot verb.' In the present tense, the 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' for everyone except 'we' and 'you all' in Spain.
Past Tense Surprise
In the preterite (past), the 'e' changes to 'i' in the third-person forms (he/she/they), like 'refirió' and 'refirieron'.
Forgetting the 'i' in the 'ing' form
Mistake: “referiendo”
Correction: refiriendo (The 'e' must change to 'i' in the gerund form).
deh-ree-BARdeɾiˈβaɾ
Examples
Mi médico me derivó a un especialista de rodilla.
My doctor referred me to a knee specialist.
Te voy a derivar con el departamento de atención al cliente.
I am going to redirect you to the customer service department.
El caso fue derivado al tribunal superior.
The case was referred to the high court.
Using the preposition 'a'
When you are referring or sending someone to a place or person, always use the word 'a' after derivar.
Passive uses
It is very common to hear 'ser derivado' (to be referred) when talking about medical treatments.
Missing the 'a'
Mistake: “El médico derivó el paciente.”
Correction: El médico derivó al paciente (because of the 'personal a') o lo derivó al hospital.
Choosing Between 'Referir' and 'Derivar'
Learners often confuse 'referir' and 'derivar'. Remember that 'derivar' is more specific to formal medical or professional redirection, while 'referir' is broader and can be used for general information or expert recommendations.
Related Translations
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