reflejo
/reˈflexo/masculine
In Spanish, the English word "reflex" is translated as reflejo.
The word reflejo is used to describe a biological reflex, such as an automatic physical response. It is also the standard word used for a physical reflection, such as an image seen in a mirror or in water.
Meaning: automatic response (noun)
Which one should you use?
While reflejo refers to biological or physical phenomena, the loanword réflex is used specifically when referring to a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
reflejo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈflexo/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of reflejo, 'reflexus', literally means 'to bend back', which provides a hidden linguistic link between a physical reflection in water and a biological reflex bending a signal back to the spine.
- In Spanish, reflejo is used to describe the 'reflection' of light, while the word reflejar is used to mean 'to reflect' both physically and mentally, such as when a piece of writing reflects a certain ideology.
- Using the plural reflejos in a sports context shifts the meaning from a medical reaction to a compliment about a player's speed and agility.
Examples in context
- Muchas gracias. Gracias por activar mi reflejo del vómito.Thank you very much. Thank you for activating my gag reflex.This sentence shows how to use reflejo when referring to a gag reflex.Tatoeba #5709079 by albrusgher, translation #5069269 by al_ex_an_der
- Tienes un rápido reflejo de defensa cuando algo te sorprende.You have a quick reflex for self-defense when something surprises you.
- Cuando te asustas, das un pequeño reflejito muy gracioso.When you get scared, you have a funny little reflex.
- Mi reacción automática siempre es reírme cuando algo me da cosquillas.My automatic reaction is always to laugh when something tickles me.
- Tu reflejo fue muy rápido.Your reflex was very fast.
- El golpe causó un reflejo muscular.The blow caused a muscular reflex.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are at a training center for martial arts.
- Alejandro¿Viste su reflejo?Did you see his reflex?
- SofíaSí, fue un reflejo increíble.Yes, it was an incredible reflex.
- AlejandroSofía, tú también tienes un buen reflejo.Sofía, you also have a good reflex.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro, lo estoy practicando.Thanks, Alejandro, I am practicing it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reflex” translations and entries reflejo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries reflejo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
