Lael logo

referencia means reference — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 11, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

referencia

noun • /[reh-feh-REN-sya]/

reference

Example:

No olvides incluir la referencia.

Don’t forget to include the reference.

🧠 What does referencia mean?

A 'referencia' is a mention of or allusion to something, a source of information cited in a text, or a recommendation from a person regarding another's character or abilities. In a professional context, it often refers to a person or document that can vouch for a job applicant's qualifications. It can also mean a point of comparison or a benchmark.

📚 Extra examples

  • El ensayo debe incluir una lista de referencias al final.
    The essay must include a list of references at the end.
  • Mi antiguo jefe me dio una excelente carta de referencia.
    My former boss gave me an excellent letter of reference.
  • El artista hizo referencia a la mitología clásica en su obra.
    The artist made a reference to classical mythology in his work.
  • Para el puesto, me pidieron los datos de tres referencias personales.
    For the position, they asked me for the contact information of three personal references.
  • El informe usa las cifras del año pasado como punto de referencia.
    The report uses last year's figures as a reference point.

💡 Did You Know?

The phrase 'hacer referencia a' is a very common and formal way to say 'to refer to'. For example, 'El autor hace referencia a estudios previos' means 'The author refers to previous studies'. Mastering this collocation is useful for academic and professional Spanish.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "referencia"

Synonyms: cita, mención, alusión, recomendación, fuente
Opposites: omisión, desconocimiento

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'reference' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'reference' is 'referencia'.
How do you pronounce 'referencia' in Spanish?
It is pronounced re-fe-REN-sya. The 'c' is pronounced like an 's' sound in Latin America and most of Spain, and like a 'th' sound in some parts of central and northern Spain.
How do you use 'referencia' in a sentence?
For example, you could say: 'Necesito una carta de referencia de mi profesor.' (I need a letter of reference from my professor.)
What is the English translation of 'referencia'?
'Referencia' translates to 'reference' in English.
Does 'referencia' change for gender or number?
Yes. 'Referencia' is a feminine noun. Its plural form is 'referencias'. For example, 'una referencia' (a reference) and 'varias referencias' (several references).
Is 'referencia' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'referencia' is common, particularly in academic, professional, and formal contexts. It is used frequently when discussing sources, job applications, or points of comparison.
Does 'referencia' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'referencia' does not typically have slang meanings. Its use is quite standard and aligns with its formal definition.
Is 'referencia' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'referencia' are consistent across Spain and Latin America. The only common difference is in the pronunciation of the 'c' sound.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store