反思
fǎnsī
In Chinese, to reflect (in the sense of thinking seriously) is 反思 (fǎnsī).
反思 is used when someone is thinking deeply or pondering over something. A common way to express the act of self-reflection or looking inward at one's own behavior is to use the phrase 反思自己.
Meaning: to think seriously, to ponder or consider (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 反, meaning 'opposite' or 'back' and 思, meaning 'to think'.
Which one should you use?
While 反思 specifically implies reflecting on past actions or mistakes to learn from them, 思考 is a more general term for the act of thinking or contemplating a problem.
How do you pronounce it?
fǎnsī
Did you know?
- If you are told to 反思 in a professional setting in China, it often functions as a subtle way of asking you to admit a mistake or perform a 'self-criticism'.
- Chinese has a specific term for 'deep reflection' called 深思熟虑, which literally describes thinking that is both 'deep' and 'well-cooked'.
- In Chinese calligraphy, the character 思 is composed of 'field' 田 over 'heart' or 'mind' 心, visually suggesting a mind that is cultivated like a field.
Examples in context
- 反思並回應。Reflect and respond.This sentence shows how to use 反思 in a command or instruction.Tatoeba #13244332 by LeviHighway, translation #12669556 by rul
- 我仔细思考了这个问题。I reflected carefully on this issue.
- 他喜欢思考人生的意义。He enjoys reflecting on the meaning of life.
- 我得想一想是否参加派对。I need to reflect on whether to attend the party.
- 好好想一想，然后再决定吧。Take some time to reflect and then make a decision.
- 我们需要反思自己的行为。We need to reflect on our behavior.
- 这段经历让我反思人生。This experience made me reflect on life.
- 我们需要认真反思这次失败。Wǒmen xūyào rènzhēn fǎnsī zhè cì shībài.We need to seriously reflect on this failure.
- 他在反思自己的行为。Tā zài fǎnsī zìjǐ de xíngwéi.He is reflecting on his own behavior.
Example conversation
Wei and Jiayi are discussing a mistake made at work.
- 伟 Wei你对这件事有反思吗？Nǐ duì zhè jiàn shì yǒu fǎnsī ma?Have you reflected on this matter?
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，我一直在反思。Shì de, wǒ yīzhí zài fǎnsī.Yes, I have been reflecting on it.
- 伟 Wei那以后要注意了。Nà yǐhòu yào zhùyì le.Then you should be careful in the future.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我会努力改进的。Wǒ huì nǔlì gǎijìn de.I will work hard to improve.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
