Japanese word

参考

Pronunciation

Romajisankō

Meaning

  • nounreference

Example

この本を参考にします。ko no hon o san kō ni shi ma su

I will use this book as a reference.

Illustration for 参考 (reference)

More examples

この動画は料理を始める人の参考になります。ko no dō ga wa ryō ri o haji me ru hito no san kō ni na ri ma su

This video is a useful reference for people who are new to cooking.

Core concept

It is information used alongside one's own thinking to help form an opinion or make a decision.

Common phrases

  • 参考にするsan kō ni su ru

    use as a reference

  • 参考になるsan kō ni na ru

    serve as a reference

  • 参考までにsan kō ma de ni

    for your reference

Similar words

資料shiryō: Information collected or provided for study, thought, or decision making.
目安meyasu: A standard or guide used to judge something or make an estimate.
手本tehon: A model that shows how something can be done or made.

Definition in Japanese

考えや判断のよりどころとして役立てる材料。kanga e ya han dan no yo ri do ko ro to shi te yaku da te ru zai ryō

Word origin

参考 (sankō, "reference") is a Sino-Japanese compound of 参 (san, "join") and 考 (kō, "think"), suggesting thought that is joined with supporting information.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 参考にする (sankō ni suru) means to use something as a reference, often to support a decision without copying it.

Word lists with this word