réflexion
/ʁe.flɛk.sjɔ̃/
Reflection in French is réflexion.
The noun réflexion is used to denote the act of careful thought or consideration.
Meaning: careful thought or consideration (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word réflexion can mean both the mental process of thinking and the physical phenomenon of light bouncing off a surface. The verb form of the noun réflexion is réfléchir, which means to reflect or to think about.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced /ʁe.flɛk.sjɔ̃/ and has 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use the word réflexe (reflex) when they mean réflexion (thoughtful consideration), as they sound similar but have different meanings.
Did you know?
- The Latin root 'reflectere' which informs réflexion, literally means 'to bend back', describing how both light and thoughts return to their source.
- In French, the term réflexion is often used in the plural, réflexions, to refer to a collection of remarks or comments made by a person.
- While English uses 'reflection' for both light and thought, in French, you must use réflexion for both, but for an image in a mirror, one might more often use reflet.
Examples in context
- Après mûres réflexions, j'ai décidé d'accepter leur offre.After mature reflection, I've decided to accept their offer.This sentence shows how to use réflexion in the context of making a decision.Tatoeba #441691 by Archibald, translation #29945 by al_ex_an_der
- La simple réflexion montrera que la doctrine de la rédemption est fondée sur une simple idée pécuniaire correspondant à celle d'une dette qu'un autre personne pourrait payer.This single reflection will show that the doctrine of redemption is founded on a mere pecuniary idea corresponding to that of a debt which another person might pay.This sentence uses réflexion to describe a single thought or consideration within a logical argument.Tatoeba #1533658 by sacredceltic, translation #1530086 by teapot
- La mélodie douce de la guitare apportait une atmosphère de calme et de réflexion dans la pièce.The guitar's sweet melody brought an atmosphere of calm and reflection into the room.This sentence describes the atmosphere created by a sense of calm and réflexion.Tatoeba #12965269 by samir_t, translation #12965266 by samir_t
- J'ai besoin de temps pour méditer sur ma vie.I need time to reflect on my life.
- Je dois penser à ma vie.I need to reflect on my life.
- Il faut que je me pose des questions sur mon avenir.I need to reflect on my future.
- Je vais prendre du recul et réfléchir à cette décision.I will step back and reflect on this decision.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing a big life decision.
- NathanAs-tu pris le temps de la réflexion ?Have you taken the time for reflection?
- LéaOui, j'ai beaucoup réfléchi à ton idée.Yes, I have thought a lot about your idea.
- NathanUne courte réflexion suffit parfois.A short reflection is sometimes enough.
- LéaJe pense que je suis prête maintenant.I think I am ready now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry réflexion, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries réflexion, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
