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反射 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
反射fǎnshèto reflectHSK 7, v, 14 strokes, rank #9244, Very Hard
反射fǎnshèreflection (from a mirror etc)HSK 7, v, 14 strokes, rank #9244, Very Hard
反射fǎnshèreflex (i.e. automatic reaction of organism)HSK 7, v, 14 strokes, rank #9244, Very Hard
fǎnshè(fan3she4)fan she T3
  1. 1to reflect
  2. 2reflection (from a mirror etc)
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March 24, 2026

反射fǎnshè(fan3she4)

The term 反射 (fǎnshè) refers to the act of reflecting or the phenomenon where light or sound bounces off a surface. It can also describe a reflex action, which is an automatic response to stimuli. This word is commonly used in both scientific contexts, such as physics, and in everyday conversations regarding reactions.

Strokes14Frequency#9244DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of reflection also carries philosophical meanings, often related to introspection and self-awareness. The idea of reflecting on one's actions is deeply rooted in Confucian values.

Memory tip

Imagine a mirror reflecting your face back at you. The character 反 (fǎn) looks like a person turning back, while 射 (shè) resembles an arrow shooting out. Together, think of someone shooting an arrow (射) that bounces back (反) off a mirror, creating a reflection.

Meanings of 反射

fǎnshè(fan3she4)
1to reflect
2reflection (from a mirror etc)
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 反射

反射Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#9244Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1

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AI study notes for 反射

Quick Contrast

反射 (reflect) vs 回响 (echo) — use 反射 for light or sound bouncing off a surface, while 回响 specifically refers to the repeated sound that comes back after bouncing.

Usage Notes

Be careful with the tone: 反 (fǎn) must be pronounced with a third tone, while 射 (shè) is pronounced with a fourth tone. This word is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure to use it correctly when discussing scientific topics. Common collocations include 反射光 (reflected light) and 反射动作 (reflex actions).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 反射 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to physics and biology, such as 光 (light) and 刺激 (stimulus). Students should focus on the nuances of its usage in different contexts, especially in technical discussions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the tones, saying 'fan4 she4' instead of 'fan3 she4'. Another common error is using 反射 inappropriately in non-scientific contexts, such as saying '我反射这个问题' ('I reflect this question') instead of '我考虑这个问题' ('I consider this question').

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 反射

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Component characters

反fǎncontrary
HSK 54 strokes又
View full entry
射shèto shoot, to eject, to emit
HSK 610 strokes寸
View full entry

How to say to reflect in Chinese

“to reflect” in Chinese is反射fǎnshè

The term 反射 (fǎnshè) refers to the act of reflecting or the phenomenon where light or sound bounces off a surface. It can also describe a reflex action, which is an automatic response to stimuli. This word is commonly used in both scientific contexts, such as physics, and in everyday conversations regarding reactions.

When to use 反射

Be careful with the tone: 反 (fǎn) must be pronounced with a third tone, while 射 (shè) is pronounced with a fourth tone. This word is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure to use it correctly when discussing scientific topics. Common collocations include 反射光 (reflected light) and 反射动作 (reflex actions).

反射 or something close to it

反射 (reflect) vs 回响 (echo) — use 反射 for light or sound bouncing off a surface, while 回响 specifically refers to the repeated sound that comes back after bouncing.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse the tones, saying 'fan4 she4' instead of 'fan3 she4'. Another common error is using 反射 inappropriately in non-scientific contexts, such as saying '我反射这个问题' ('I reflect this question') instead of '我考虑这个问题' ('I consider this question').

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反
射

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Grammar patterns of 反射

反射 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

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需要保护你的手臂和双腿免受玻璃____光线的照射。

Your arms and legs need protection from light bouncing off glass.

Example sentences for 反射 (7)

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1
需要保护你的手臂和双腿免受玻璃反射光线的照射。

xūyào bǎohù nǐ de shǒubì hé shuāng tuǐ miǎn shòu bōli fǎnshè guāngxiàn de zhàoshè。

Your arms and legs need protection from light bouncing off glass.
2
灯光照在满是灰尘的墙上,反射回苍白的冷光。

dēngguāng zhào zài mǎn shì huīchén de qiáng shàng, fǎnshè huí cāngbái de lěng guāng。

Lights reflected off dust-covered walls creating a ghostly luminescence.
3
它象云或象雪那样反射出白光.

tā xiàng yún huò xiàng xuě nàyàng fǎnshè chū bái guāng.

It reflects light whitely like clouds or snow.
4
云翳蔽空,日色朦胧,经丛林这么一反射,又阴又湿的空气就给烤得热烘烘的.

yún yì bì kōng, rì sè ménglóng, Jīng cónglín zhème yī fǎnshè, yòu yīn yòu shī de kōngqì jiù gěi kǎo de rè hōng hōng de.

The sun obscured by overcast, refracted from the jungle and heated the moist dark air.
5
阳光照到窗玻璃上,又反射到他身上.

yángguāng zhào dào chuāng bōli shàng, yòu fǎnshè dào tā shēnshang.

The sun caught the panes and flashed back at him.
6
角棱镜是由3个互相垂直的反射平面组成.

jiǎo léng jìng shì yóu3 gè hùxiāng chuízhí de fǎnshè píngmiàn zǔchéng.

A corner cube consists of three mutually perpendicular reflecting planes.
7
不要使用锅底光亮、能反射热的平底锅,因为热量会被反射回去。

búyào shǐyòng guō de guāng liàng、 néng fǎnshè rè de píng de guō, yīnwèi rèliàng huì bèi fǎnshè huíqù。

Avoid pans with a shiny, reflective base as the heat will be reflected back.

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Frequently asked questions about 反射

You can say: '光线在镜子上反射。' (The light reflects off the mirror.)

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