Inklingo

reflejo

/re-FLE-ho/

reflection

A bright green mountain reflected perfectly in the still blue water of a lake.

A clear reflection on the surface of the water.

reflejo(noun)

mA2

reflection

?

as seen in a mirror, water, or shiny surface

Also:

glare

?

light bouncing off a surface into your eyes

📝 In Action

Vi mi reflejo en el espejo del baño.

A2

I saw my reflection in the bathroom mirror.

El reflejo del sol en el agua era muy fuerte.

B1

The sun's reflection on the water was very strong.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • opacidad (opacity)

Common Collocations

  • reflejo en el aguareflection in the water
  • un reflejo fiela faithful reflection

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Reflejo' vs 'Reflexión'

Use 'reflejo' for the physical image you see in a mirror. Use 'reflexión' when you mean thinking deeply about a topic.

⭐ Usage Tips

Natural Sounding

When light is hitting your eyes from a screen or window and you can't see, use 'el reflejo' to explain the glare.

A person's leg kicking forward automatically when a small rubber hammer taps their knee.

A physical reflex triggered by a gentle tap.

reflejo(noun)

mB1

reflex

?

an automatic physical reaction

Also:

reaction time

?

speed of response

📝 In Action

El médico me golpeó la rodilla para probar mis reflejos.

B1

The doctor tapped my knee to test my reflexes.

Ese portero tiene muy buenos reflejos.

B1

That goalkeeper has very good reflexes.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • reacción (reaction)

Common Collocations

  • tener buenos reflejosto have good reflexes
  • reflejo condicionadoconditioned reflex

⭐ Usage Tips

Plural vs Singular

When talking about a person's physical ability (like a driver or athlete), Spanish speakers almost always use the plural 'reflejos'.

A happy sun in the sky with a calm pond below that shows the sun's happy face.

The water reflects the image of the sun.

reflejo(verb)

B1regular ar

I reflect

?

showing an image or expressing a feeling

📝 In Action

En este informe, reflejo los problemas de la empresa.

B2

In this report, I reflect the company's problems.

Reflejo mi felicidad en mi trabajo diario.

B2

I reflect my happiness in my daily work.

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedesreflejaran
yoreflejara
reflejaras
vosotrosreflejarais
nosotrosreflejáramos
él/ella/ustedreflejara

present

ellos/ellas/ustedesreflejen
yorefleje
reflejes
vosotrosreflejéis
nosotrosreflejemos
él/ella/ustedrefleje

indicative

preterite

ellos/ellas/ustedesreflejaron
yoreflejé
reflejaste
vosotrosreflejasteis
nosotrosreflejamos
él/ella/ustedreflejó

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedesreflejaban
yoreflejaba
reflejabas
vosotrosreflejabais
nosotrosreflejábamos
él/ella/ustedreflejaba

present

ellos/ellas/ustedesreflejan
yoreflejo
reflejas
vosotrosreflejáis
nosotrosreflejamos
él/ella/ustedrefleja

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: reflejo

Question 1 of 2

If you see yourself in a lake, what are you looking at?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'reflejo' to talk about thinking?

No, for thinking or deep consideration, you should use 'reflexión'.

Is 'reflejo' only for mirrors?

No, it works for any surface that shows an image (water, windows, metal) and also for physical body reactions.