反映
to reflect; to report; reflection
fǎnyìng
What does 反映 mean?
反映 (fǎnyìng) is a Chinese verb with two main senses: first, 'to reflect / mirror' — to show or express an underlying reality (这部电影反映了社会问题 the film reflects social problems); second, 'to report / make known' — to convey a situation or complaint upward to someone in authority (向老师反映情况 report the situation to the teacher). It can also be a noun ('reflection'). It is register-neutral, common in news, workplaces, and civic contexts.
English speakers should note the second sense has no direct English equivalent: 反映问题 means formally raising an issue to those who can address it, not physically mirroring it. Do not confuse it with its homophone 反应 (fǎnyìng), 'to react / reaction' — 反映 conveys or mirrors information, while 反应 is a response or physical/chemical reaction.
Character breakdown
to turn back; reverse
to shine; to reflect; to project
Memory hook: 反 (back) + 映 (project/shine) — light projected back is a reflection; information sent back up is a report.
Example sentences
这件事我已经向经理反映了。
Zhè jiàn shì wǒ yǐjīng xiàng jīnglǐ fǎnyìng le.
I've already reported this matter to the manager.
spoken
他的作文真实地反映了农村生活。
Tā de zuòwén zhēnshí de fǎnyìng le nóngcūn shēnghuó.
His essay truthfully reflects rural life.
neutral
如果有问题，可以向我们反映。
Rúguǒ yǒu wèntí, kěyǐ xiàng wǒmen fǎnyìng.
If there's a problem, you can report it to us.
neutral
这些数据反映出经济正在好转。
Zhèxiē shùjù fǎnyìng chū jīngjì zhèngzài hǎozhuǎn.
These figures reflect that the economy is improving.
written
Common phrases with 反映
Synonyms
体现 means 'to embody / manifest' a quality or value (体现了团队精神). 反映 means to mirror or reveal an underlying reality. Use 体现 when a value is made concrete; 反映 when a situation is shown or reported.
汇报 is 'to report' formally to a superior with a full account. 反映 in its 'report' sense is lighter — raising or passing along an issue. Use 汇报 for structured reporting to a boss.
Don't confuse 反映 with
反应 (homophone) means 'to react / reaction' — a response to a stimulus (化学反应 chemical reaction, 反应很快 quick reaction). 反映 means to reflect or report. Same sound, different characters and meanings.
FAQ
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