reflexionar sobre
/refleɡsjonaɾ sobɾe/from spelling rules
To reflect upon in Spanish is reflexionar sobre.
The phrase is used when you want to describe the act of considering a topic or idea.
Meaning: consider a topic or idea (verb)
Which one should you use?
You can also use meditar sobre to mean meditating or pondering. If you want to express the idea of mulling something over in a more casual way, you can use the idiom darle vueltas a.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb reflexionar is intransitive and requires the preposition sobre to connect to the object of reflection.
How do you pronounce it?
/refleɡsjonaɾ sobɾe/
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'reflect' for both light hitting a mirror and thinking, Spanish speakers use reflejar for light and reflexionar for thought, making them distinct verbs.
- If you use the idiom darle vueltas a, you are literally saying you are 'giving turns to' something. It evokes the image of an object being spun around or a physical thing being turned over in one's hands.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, using meditar sobre can imply a spiritual or religious context, whereas reflexionar sobre is seen as a more intellectual or secular process.
Examples in context
- Debemos reflexionar sobre nuestras acciones antes de tomar una decisión importante.We must reflect upon our actions before making an important decision.
- Es importante meditar sobre las consecuencias antes de actuar impulsivamente.It's important to reflect upon the consequences before acting impulsively.
- Voy a pensar en lo que me dijiste y luego te respondo.I'm going to reflect upon what you told me, and then I'll reply.
- ¿Le diste vueltas a lo que te recomendé sobre tu proyecto?Did you reflect upon what I recommended about your project?
- Es necesario cavilar sobre las decisiones que tomamos en la vida.It's necessary to reflect upon the decisions we make in life.
- Necesito reflexionar sobre mi futuro.I need to reflect upon my future.
- Él quiere reflexionar sobre la propuesta.He wants to reflect upon the proposal.
- Debemos reflexionar sobre este problema con calma.We must reflect upon this problem calmly.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing a big career decision.
- Lucía¿Vas a aceptar el nuevo trabajo?Are you going to accept the new job?
- MateoNo lo sé, debo reflexionar sobre el contrato.I don't know, I must reflect upon the contract.
- LucíaEs una decisión muy importante para ti.It is a very important decision for you.
- MateoSí, quiero reflexionar sobre todas las opciones.Yes, I want to reflect upon all the options.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
