Portuguese Phrase
Quem eu coloco como referência?
Meaning
The sentence asks, “Who should I list as a reference?” It is typically used when you need to provide a contact person for a job application, scholarship, or academic work.
When to use
Use this question when you are filling out a form, CV, or any document that asks for a reference. It works in both formal and semi‑formal settings, but the verb ‘colocar’ gives it a slightly more conversational tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quemeucolococomoreferência?
Quem (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask about a person; equivalent to English 'who'.
eu (personal pronoun)
First‑person singular subject pronoun meaning 'I'.
coloco (present of colocar)
Verb 'colocar' in present indicative 1st person singular; here it means 'to list' or 'to name' someone as a reference.
como (preposition)
Introduces a role or function, similar to English 'as'.
referência (noun)
A person or source that can vouch for you; the word for 'reference' in a professional or academic context.
🗨In Conversation
Quem eu coloco como referência?
Who should I list as a reference?
Coloque o professor que supervisionou seu projeto; ele conhece bem seu trabalho.
Put the professor who supervised your project; he knows your work well.
✕Common Mistakes
Quem eu sou como referência?
Avoid using the verb ‘ser’ here; ‘sou’ changes the meaning to ‘who I am as a reference’ instead of ‘who I should list’.
Qual eu coloco como referência?
If you use ‘qual’, you need a noun after it (e.g., ‘qual pessoa’). The bare ‘qual eu coloco…’ is ungrammatical.
↔Alternatives
Quem devo colocar como referência?
Who should I put as a reference?
Qual nome devo usar como referência?
Which name should I use as a reference?
A quem devo indicar como referência?
To whom should I indicate as a reference?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil it is common to provide two or three professional references, usually former supervisors, professors, or senior colleagues. Always ask permission before listing someone and give their full name, position, and contact details. In more informal contexts people may say ‘contato’ or ‘pessoa de referência’ instead of the formal ‘referência’.