refléter
/ʁə.fle.te/
The English phrase 'reflect' can be translated into French as refléter.
The French verb refléter is used to mean mirror, represent or show a state or an image, such as 'refléter la réalité' (to reflect reality).
Meaning: to think seriously, to ponder or consider (verb)
Which one should you use?
Use réfléchir when you mean to think or ponder, and refléter when you mean to mirror or represent a state or image.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of refléter is /ʁə.fle.te/ and it has three syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use refléter to mean 'to think about something' (pondering), but in French, refléter is almost exclusively used for physical reflections or representing a situation/image.
Did you know?
- If you are 'reflecting' on your life in French, you use réfléchir, which shares a root with the word réflexe meaning 'reflex'.
- The French word for 'reflection' when referring to a thought process is réflexion, but when referring to a mirror image, it is reflet.
- In French, saying je réfléchis can sometimes be a polite way to stall for time or signal that you are undecided, rather than indicating deep intellectual labor.
Examples in context
- Bien que la majorité d'entre nous soit plus aisée que nos parents ou grand-parents, notre degré de bonheur n'a pas changé pour refléter cette situation.While most of us are significantly better off financially than our parents and grandparents, happiness levels haven't changed to reflect that.This sentence is useful for seeing how refléter can be used to describe how a situation is or is not represented.Tatoeba #1463294 by sysko, translation #743097 by eastasiastudent
- C'est ce que je crois: que nous tous pouvons être des collègues de Dieu. Et nos dirigeants, nos gouvernements, ainsi que ces Nations Unies devraient refléter cette irréductible vérité.This is what I believe: that all of us can be co-workers with God. And our leadership, and our governments, and this United Nations should reflect this irreducible truth.This sentence shows how refléter can be used to describe how a truth or concept should be represented by leadership.Tatoeba #5776538 by Thomz, translation #5774076 by Hybrid
- Un nombre représente un élément de mesure humain qui ne permet pas de refléter la valeur et l'importance des beautés de la vie, telles que l'amour, l'honnêteté, l'humilité, le respect et l'affection.A number is a human measure that can not reflect how good and important the beauties of life are, such as love, honesty, humility, respect and affection.This sentence illustrates using refléter to describe the representation of the value or importance of certain qualities.Tatoeba #10693400 by Micsmithel, translation #7477406 by Ricardo14
- Il faut réfléchir avant de prendre une décision.One must reflect before making a decision.
- J'aime m'isoler pour méditer sur la vie.I like to isolate myself to reflect on life.
- Je pense souvent à mon avenir.I often reflect on my future.
- Je vais réfléchir à ça pour te donner une réponse demain.I'll reflect on that to give you an answer tomorrow.
- Je me pose des questions sur mon choix de carrière.I reflect on my career choice.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing a big life decision.
- ChloéTu devrais refléter sur ton avenir avant de choisir.You should reflect on your future before choosing.
- HugoJe sais, mais c'est difficile de décider seul.I know, but it is difficult to decide alone.
- ChloéPrends le temps de bien refléter sur tes envies.Take the time to really reflect on your desires.
- HugoTu as raison, je vais y penser ce soir.You are right, I will think about it tonight.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry refléter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
