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.
鏡が顔を映している。
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.
山が湖に映っている。
The mountains are reflected in the lake.
More technical term for reflecting light, sound, or images. Often used in scientific contexts.
鏡は光を反射する。
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.
今年を振り返って、いろいろなことがあった。
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.
自分の行動を反省している。
I'm reflecting on my behavior.
To deliberate or ponder deeply. More formal and often used for important decisions.
その問題について熟考した。
I reflected deeply on that issue.
To let one's thoughts wander or to contemplate. Poetic and reflective nuance.
彼は過去に思いを巡らせた。
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.
この結果は努力を反映している。
This result reflects your effort.
To express or indicate. Can be used when something reflects an inner state or characteristic.
彼の言葉は彼の性格をよく表している。
His words reflect his character well.
Literally 'is showing', used to say that something indicates or reflects a fact.
このデータは経済の成長を示している。
This data reflects economic growth.
To express that waves (light, sound) bounce off a surface.
The standard term for physical reflection of light, sound, heat, etc.
音が壁に反射して聞こえる。
The sound reflects off the wall and can be heard.
To bounce back, often used for light or sound in a more casual or physical sense.
光が鏡で跳ね返った。
The light reflected off the mirror.
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.
彼の行動は会社の評価に悪く影響した。
His behavior reflected badly on the company.
Literally 'to stain the name of', used when something reflects badly on someone's honor or reputation.
そのスキャンダルは学校の名を汚した。
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.
自分の目標について振り返る時間を取りなさい。
Take some time to reflect on your goals.
彼女の笑顔は幸せを反映していた。
Her smile reflected her happiness.