Meaning and Usage
"引用" (いんよう) means "quotation" or "citation" and is commonly used when referring to quoting text, speech, or references from other sources. It is a formal term often seen in academic writing, speeches, and media.
Common Contexts
You will find "引用" used when citing books, articles, or famous sayings. It can also refer to the use of quotation marks to indicate direct speech or text.
Collocations and Patterns
- "文献を引用する" (to cite literature): used in academic or research contexts.
- "言葉を引用する" (to quote words): often used in speeches or writing.
- "引用符を使う" (to use quotation marks): refers to punctuation usage.
Register and Nuance
"引用" is a neutral to formal word, suitable for written and formal spoken Japanese. It is not casual and is rarely used in everyday informal conversation.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "引用" with "参照" (さんしょう), which means "reference" or "consultation." While related, "引用" specifically means quoting exact words or text, whereas "参照" is broader and can mean referring to information without quoting directly.