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折射 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
折射zhéshèto refractHSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #26543, Very Hard
折射zhéshèrefractionHSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #26543, Very Hard
折射zhéshèto reflect (in the figurative sense: to show the nature of)HSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #26543, Very Hard
zhéshè(zhe2she4)zhe she T2
  1. 1to refract
  2. 2refraction
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March 24, 2026

折射zhéshè(zhe2she4)

折射 (zhe2 she4) refers to the physical phenomenon of refraction, where light changes direction as it passes through different mediums. It can also be used metaphorically to describe how certain events or experiences reflect or show the true nature of something, such as emotions or societal issues.

Strokes17Frequency#26543DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese education, the concept of 折射 is often taught in the context of physics, highlighting China's emphasis on science and technology in modern curricula. Reflective discussions about societal issues can also utilize this term.

Memory tip

Imagine a light beam bending as it passes through a glass prism, creating a rainbow. The character 折 (zhe2) suggests 'bending,' and 射 (she4) relates to 'shooting' light, which together evoke the image of light bending and shooting through various materials.

Meanings of 折射

zhéshè(zhe2she4)
1to refract
2refraction
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About 折射

折射Simplified
17Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 折射

Usage Notes

This term is often used in scientific contexts, particularly in physics and optics. Be cautious with its metaphorical use, as it can be seen as more formal. Common collocations include '光的折射' (guāng de zhéshè) meaning 'refraction of light'.

HSK Study Tips

While 折射 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects with scientific vocabulary that may be encountered in higher-level language studies. Focus on understanding both its literal and figurative uses in context.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 折射 with 反射. For example, saying '光的反射' when meaning '光的折射' is incorrect; the correct phrase should reflect the bending of light, not its bouncing.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 折射

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Component characters

折shéto turn sth over
HSK 67 strokes扌
View full entry
射shèto shoot, to eject, to emit
HSK 610 strokes寸
View full entry

How to say to refract in Chinese

“to refract” in Chinese is折射zhéshè

折射 (zhe2 she4) refers to the physical phenomenon of refraction, where light changes direction as it passes through different mediums. It can also be used metaphorically to describe how certain events or experiences reflect or show the true nature of something, such as emotions or societal issues.

When to use 折射

This term is often used in scientific contexts, particularly in physics and optics. Be cautious with its metaphorical use, as it can be seen as more formal. Common collocations include '光的折射' (guāng de zhéshè) meaning 'refraction of light'.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 折射 with 反射. For example, saying '光的反射' when meaning '光的折射' is incorrect; the correct phrase should reflect the bending of light, not its bouncing.

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Frequently asked questions about 折射

You can say, '这部电影折射了社会的真实问题' (This movie refracts the real issues of society).

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