1.
letter of recommendation; reference letter
A formal letter written to endorse someone's character, abilities, or qualifications, typically for university admission, employment, or awards.
先生に推薦状を頼んだ。
I asked my teacher for a letter of recommendation.
出願には推薦状が二通必要です。
Two letters of recommendation are required for the application.
上司が書いてくれた推薦状のおかげで転職がうまくいった。
Thanks to the recommendation letter my boss wrote for me, the job change went smoothly.
USAGE:
推薦状 is a compound of 推薦 (recommendation) and 状 (letter/document). It is essential in Japanese academic and professional contexts, particularly for university entrance via the 推薦入試 (recommendation-based admission) system.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 推薦状を書く (to write a recommendation letter)
- 推薦状を頼む / お願いする (to ask for a recommendation)
- 推薦状を提出する (to submit a recommendation letter)
COUNTER:
Letters are counted with 通: 一通、二通、三通