反映 (fǎnyìng)

反映 has two main uses: it can mean that something reflects or mirrors a situation (as a mirror reflects light), and it can mean to report or convey information, especially problems or opinions, to a relevant person or authority.

Meanings

[verb] To reflect; to mirror (a condition or reality).
[verb] To report; to convey; to relay (feedback or a complaint).

Example Sentences

这部电影真实地反映了当时社会的状况。 Zhè bù diànyǐng zhēnshí de fǎnyìng le dāngshí shèhuì de zhuàngkuàng. This film truthfully reflects the social conditions of that time.

他把员工的意见反映给了公司管理层。 Tā bǎ yuángōng de yìjiàn fǎnyìng gěi le gōngsī guǎnlǐ céng. He relayed the employees' opinions to the company's management.

调查结果反映出消费者对产品质量不满意。 Diàochá jiéguǒ fǎnyìng chū xiāofèizhě duì chǎnpǐn zhìliàng bù mǎnyì. The survey results reveal that consumers are dissatisfied with product quality.

居民向政府部门反映了道路损坏的问题。 Jūmín xiàng zhèngfǔ bùmén fǎnyìng le dàolù sǔnhuài de wèntí. Residents reported the road damage issue to the government department.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
反映情况	report a situation
反映问题	raise / report a problem
真实反映	faithfully reflect
反映意见	convey opinions
充分反映	fully reflect

Usage Notes

Do not confuse 反映 with 反应 (fǎnyìng vs. fǎnyìng — identical pronunciation). 反应 (fǎnyìng) means "reaction" or "response" (a chemical reaction, a person's reaction). 反映 focuses on the act of reflecting or reporting information outward. The distinction is in the second character: 映 (to project / reflect light) vs. 应 (to respond).

Memory Hook

反 means "to turn back" and 映 means "to project light." A mirror turns light back and projects an image — 反映 does the same for social reality and information.