Translation guide
The English verb "reflect" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: showing an image (mirrors), thinking deeply, indicating or showing something, light/sound bouncing back, and having an effect on reputation. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
To express that a surface shows the image of something, like a mirror or water.
Transitive verb meaning to reflect or project an image onto a surface. The subject is the surface or the person causing the reflection.
The mirror is reflecting my face.
Intransitive verb meaning to be reflected or to appear in a mirror/water. The subject is the thing being reflected.
The mountains are reflected in the lake.
More technical term for reflecting light, sound, or images. Often used in scientific contexts.
A mirror reflects light.
To express that someone is thinking seriously about something, often about the past or about oneself.
Literally 'look back', used metaphorically to reflect on past events or experiences. Very common and natural.
Reflecting on this year, a lot of things happened.
To reflect on one's own actions, often with a sense of regret or self-criticism. Common in formal and everyday contexts.
I'm reflecting on my behavior.
To deliberate or ponder deeply. More formal and often used for important decisions.
I reflected deeply on that issue.
To let one's thoughts wander or to contemplate. Poetic and reflective nuance.
He reflected on the past.
To express that something is a sign or indication of something else.
To reflect in the sense of showing or manifesting. Often used for abstract things like opinions, trends, or values.
This result reflects your effort.
To express or indicate. Can be used when something reflects an inner state or characteristic.
Literally 'is showing', used to say that something indicates or reflects a fact.
This data reflects economic growth.
To express that waves (light, sound) bounce off a surface.
To express that something affects how someone or something is regarded, often in phrases like 'reflect well/badly on'.
Pattern meaning 'affect the evaluation of'. Used to say something reflects on someone's reputation.
His behavior reflected badly on the company.
Literally 'to stain the name of', used when something reflects badly on someone's honor or reputation.
The scandal reflected badly on the school's name.
映す (transitive) is used when the surface or a person actively reflects an image. 映る (intransitive) is used when the image appears naturally. Compare: 鏡が顔を映す (The mirror reflects the face) vs. 顔が鏡に映る (The face is reflected in the mirror).
反射する means physical reflection (light, sound). It cannot be used for reflecting on ideas or memories. Use 振り返る or 反省する instead.
Take some time to reflect on your goals.
Her smile reflected her happiness.
彼の言葉は彼の性格をよく表している。
His words reflect his character well.
The light reflected off the mirror.