referral

[rɪˈfɜːrəl]
nounpl: referrals
encaminhamento
1. The act of referring someone or something to another person or organization for a specific purpose
My doctor gave me a referral to see a cardiologist.
Meu médico me deu um encaminhamento para consultar um cardiologista.
2. A person who is referred or recommended to someone else
The referral came from a trusted colleague.
O encaminhamento veio de um colega de confiança.
3. A recommendation or suggestion to use a particular service, product, or professional
I got this plumber through a referral from my neighbor.
Encontrei esse encanador através de uma indicação da minha vizinha.
4. A document or communication that directs someone to another service provider
You'll need a referral letter to access the specialist.
Você precisará de uma carta de encaminhamento para acessar o especialista.
In Brazil, 'encaminhamento' is the standard term in healthcare for physician recommendations to specialists, often required by insurance (convênios). The term 'indicação' is widely used in informal contexts and is a common way to get recommendations for services, reflecting the Brazilian culture of personal networks and trusted recommendations. In the USA, referral programs are common marketing tools, while in Brazil, word-of-mouth recommendations ('indicações') remain highly valued in business culture.
NYC Slang
hook-up (when referring to a personal recommendation); connect (verb form)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
recommendationsuggestionreferentdirectionendorsement
Antonyms / Antônimos
dismissalrejectiondiscouragement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
encaminhamento
Most common term used in healthcare and professional contexts
General Brazilian
indicação
Used colloquially for personal recommendations and suggestions
São Paulo
encaminhamento/indicação
Both terms are used interchangeably in business and healthcare
Portugal
encaminhamento/recomendação
Portuguese European prefers 'recomendação' in some contexts

Related Words

referreferrerreferencerecommendation letterendorsement

Related Idioms & Phrases

get a referral from someone
make a referral
referral program
physician referral
customer referral
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