Translation guide
The English word 'reflection' covers several distinct concepts: the physical return of light or sound, a mirrored image, deep thought, and a representation or sign of something. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Expressing the act of thinking deeply about something, often about past experiences or one's own actions.
The most common word for reflecting on one's own actions or mistakes, often with a sense of regret or a desire to improve. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
自分の行動を反省しています。
I am reflecting on my actions.
失敗を反省して、次に生かします。
I'll reflect on my failure and make use of it next time.
A more introspective and philosophical term for self-reflection or examining one's inner thoughts. Often used in psychological or spiritual contexts.
内省を通じて自己理解を深める。
Deepen self-understanding through reflection.
Literally 'to look back', used for reflecting on past events or experiences in a more general sense, not necessarily with regret.
一年を振り返って、いろいろなことがありました。
Reflecting on the past year, a lot of things happened.
Means 'careful consideration' or 'deliberation'. It implies deep thinking about a matter, but not necessarily about oneself or the past.
その問題について熟考した。
I reflected deeply on that problem.
Describing the physical phenomenon of light, heat, sound, or an image being thrown back from a surface.
The standard scientific and everyday term for reflection of light, sound, heat, etc. Also used for reflexes.
鏡に自分の反射が見える。
I can see my reflection in the mirror.
光の反射でまぶしい。
The reflection of the light is dazzling.
Refers to an unwanted reflection or glare, often in photography or on screens. More specific than 反射.
Primarily means 'reflection' in the sense of influence or representation, but can sometimes be used for light reflecting on a surface, though 反射 is more common for physical reflection.
Indicating that something shows, expresses, or is a consequence of a particular situation, quality, or fact.
Used when something reflects or mirrors an underlying condition, opinion, or trend. Common in news and formal contexts.
この政策は国民の意見を反映している。
This policy reflects the opinions of the people.
売り上げの減少は景気の悪化を反映している。
The decline in sales reflects the worsening economy.
Means 'manifestation' or 'expression'. It can be used when something is a reflection of an inner state or characteristic.
Metaphorically used as 'mirror' to mean something that reflects a state or era. Often in set phrases.
反省 (hansei) implies a critical self-examination, often with a sense of regret and a focus on improvement. 振り返る (furikaeru) is a more neutral 'looking back' on events or memories, without necessarily judging them. Use 反省 when admitting fault or resolving to do better; use 振り返る when simply reviewing the past.
遅刻を反省する。
Reflect on being late (with regret).
学生時代を振り返る。
Look back on one's school days.
反射 (hansha) only means physical reflection (light, sound) or a reflex action. It cannot be used for thinking or pondering. Saying 反射する for 'I reflected on my life' would be incorrect and confusing.
窓の映り込みで写真がうまく撮れない。
I can't take a good photo because of the reflection in the window.
水面に月が反映している。
The moon is reflected on the water's surface.
彼の行動は性格の表れだ。
His behavior is a reflection of his personality.
彼の作品は時代の鏡だ。
His works are a reflection of the era.