反映 (fǎnyìng) — to reflect; to report

反映 (fǎnyìng)

反映 has two distinct uses: to reflect or mirror a situation (as in a text or artwork reflecting social reality), and to report or convey information or complaints to a higher authority.

Meanings

1. [verb] to reflect; to mirror; to represent (a situation or reality)
2. [verb] to report; to convey (feedback, complaints, or information to someone in authority)

Example Sentences

这部小说深刻地反映了二十世纪初的社会现实。 Zhè bù xiǎoshuō shēnkè de fǎnyìngle èrshí shìjì chū de shèhuì xiànshí. This novel profoundly reflects the social reality of the early twentieth century.

数据反映出该地区经济发展的不平衡现象。 Shùjù fǎnyìng chū gāi dìqū jīngjì fāzhǎn de bù pínghéng xiànxiàng. The data reflects the uneven economic development in that region.

居民向有关部门反映了小区供水不足的问题。 Jūmín xiàng yǒuguān bùmén fǎnyìngle xiǎoqū gōngshuǐ bùzú de wèntí. Residents reported the problem of insufficient water supply in the community to the relevant authorities.

学生的反映引起了学校管理层的高度重视。 Xuésheng de fǎnyìng yǐnqǐle xuéxiào guǎnlǐ céng de gāodù zhòngshì. The students' feedback attracted serious attention from the school administration.

这幅画作是画家内心世界的真实反映。 Zhè fú huàzuò shì huàjiā nèixīn shìjiè de zhēnshí fǎnyìng. This painting is a true reflection of the painter's inner world.

市场价格反映了供求关系的变化。 Shìchǎng jiàgé fǎnyìngle gōngqiú guānxi de biànhuà. Market prices reflect changes in supply and demand.

Collocations

Usage Notes

反映 has two semantically distinct uses that B2 learners must master. In the "reflect/mirror" sense, it describes how a work, statistic, or phenomenon represents an underlying reality. In the "report/convey" sense, it is used when individuals or groups communicate grievances, requests, or information to authorities, and is common in formal and bureaucratic language.

Note the distinction between 反映 and 体现 (tǐxiàn): 反映 suggests that something passively mirrors or indicates a reality, while 体现 implies that something actively gives expression to or embodies an abstract quality.

Memory Hook

FAN (反, to turn/reflect) + YING (映, to project/reflect light) = like a mirror turning light back — reflecting reality back to the viewer.