参考

• Reading: さんこう
• Romaji: sankou
• Kanji breakdown: 参 (san) — participate, consult, visit; 考 (kou) — think, consider
• Pronunciation: /saŋ.koː/

Meaning

Reference; consultation. Using information as a basis for judgment or decision-making.

A noun often used in the expression 参考になる (sankou ni naru, to be helpful/informative) and 参考にする (sankou ni suru, to use as reference). 参考書 (sankousho) is a reference book or study guide. Very common in both academic and business Japanese.

Examples

1. この本はレポートを書くときに参考になります。 This book is useful as a reference when writing a report.
2. 先輩の意見を参考にして決めました。 I made my decision using my senior's advice as a reference.
3. 参考書を使って試験の準備をしている。 I'm preparing for the exam using a reference book.

Usage Guide

Context: study, work, decision-making

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 参 (san, participate/consult) and 考 (kou, think/consider). Literally means consulting and thinking — drawing on information to inform one's thinking.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal