反射
hansha[hã̠ɰ̃ɕa̠]
The English phrase 'reflection' can be translated into Japanese as 反射 (hansha).
In Japanese, the word for 'reflection' depends entirely on whether you are describing a physical process or a mental one. While 反射 is used for the reflection of light or sound, other words are required for mental consideration or introspection.
Meaning: careful thought or consideration (noun)
Which one should you use?
There is a significant distinction between physical and mental reflection. 反射 (hansha) describes physical reflection, such as light bouncing off a surface or a biological reflex.
How do you pronounce it?
hansha
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 反射 when you mean to describe the mental process of thinking something over or reflecting on an action. Use 熟考 or 反省 instead to avoid referring to physical light or reflexes.
Did you know?
- The word 熟考 (jukkou), used for deep reflection, contains the character for 'ripe', implying that your thoughts should be fully 'matured' before a decision is made.
- In a professional setting, saying 反省しています does not just mean 'I am reflecting' but acts as a formal admission of guilt.
- In a business context, a 'reflection' or review of a project's outcome is often called 振り返り (furikaeri), which literally means 'looking back'.
Examples in context
- 彼は自分自身について思索にふけった。He immersed himself in reflection about himself.
- 昨日の出来事について考えてみました。I thought about what happened yesterday.
- よく考えてから返事をください。Please give me an answer after thinking carefully.
Example conversation
Yui and Daito are talking about a mistake they made at work.
- 結衣 Yuiこのミスについて反射した？kono misu ni tsuite hansha shita?Did you reflect on this mistake?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、しっかり反射したよ。un, shikkari hansha shita yo.Yes, I gave it careful thought.
- 結衣 Yui次はどうすればいいと思う？tsugi wa dou sureba ii to omou?What do you think we should do next time?
- 大翔 Hirotoもっと確認を増やすよ。motto kakunin o fuyasu yo.I will increase the number of checks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 反射, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
