Inklingo

How to Say "to reflect" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to reflect” is “reflejar” — use 'reflejar' when talking about light, images, or sound bouncing off a surface, or when something shows or demonstrates a quality, feeling, or fact..

English → Spanish

reflejar

/re-fleh-HAR//refleˈxaɾ/

verbA2
Use 'reflejar' when talking about light, images, or sound bouncing off a surface, or when something shows or demonstrates a quality, feeling, or fact.
A bright sun shining over a calm blue mountain lake, with the mountains perfectly visible on the water's surface.

Examples

El espejo refleja mi cara.

The mirror reflects my face.

El espejo refleja la luz del sol.

The mirror reflects the sunlight.

Las montañas se reflejan en el agua del lago.

The mountains are reflected in the lake water.

Si limpias el metal, volverá a reflejar tu imagen.

If you clean the metal, it will reflect your image again.

Using 'se' with reflections

When talking about an object showing its own image (like a mountain in a lake), we add 'se' to make it 'reflejarse'.

The 'J' sound

In Spanish, the 'j' in reflejar sounds like a strong 'h' in English. It should come from the back of your throat.

Abstract Subjects

Unlike the physical meaning, the figurative meaning often uses abstract things as the subject, such as 'The report reflects' or 'Her face reflects'.

Reflecting on thoughts

Mistake: “Using 'reflejar' to mean 'thinking deeply about something'.”

Correction: Use 'reflexionar' instead. 'Reflejar' is about showing, not thinking.

Reflejar vs Expresar

Mistake: “Using 'reflejar' when you mean to verbally state something.”

Correction: Reflejar is about what is visible or evident from the outside; use 'expresar' if someone is speaking their mind.

reflexionar

/reh-flehk-syoh-NAHR//refleksjoˈnaɾ/

verbB1
Use 'reflexionar' when you mean to think deeply or ponder about something, often a personal matter or a decision.
A person sitting on a park bench under a large tree, looking thoughtfully into the distance with a hand on their chin.

Examples

Tengo que reflexionar sobre lo que pasó.

I have to reflect on what happened.

Necesito tiempo para reflexionar sobre mi futuro.

I need time to reflect on my future.

Después de reflexionar un rato, decidió no comprar el coche.

After pondering for a while, he decided not to buy the car.

Es importante reflexionar antes de actuar.

It is important to think deeply before acting.

Using the right bridge word

When you want to say what you are reflecting 'on' or 'about,' always use the word 'sobre' or 'acerca de.' In English we say 'think about,' but in Spanish, we 'reflect over.'

A regular star

Good news! This verb is completely regular. It follows the standard pattern for all '-ar' verbs in every tense, making it easy to conjugate once you know the basics.

Reflexionar vs. Reflejar

Mistake: “El espejo reflexiona mi cara.”

Correction: El espejo refleja mi cara. Use 'reflexionar' only for mental activity (thinking), and 'reflejar' for physical things like mirrors or light.

detener

deh-teh-NEHR/de.teˈneɾ/

verbA2
Use 'detener' (reflexively, 'detenerse') when you pause your actions or movement to consider something briefly.
A cartoon runner is shown abruptly stopping their movement, planting one foot firmly on the ground and holding their hands up in a clear halting gesture.

Examples

Me detuve a pensar en su consejo.

I stopped to reflect on his advice.

Me detuve a mirar el escaparate.

I stopped myself to look at the shop window.

El coche se detuvo de repente.

The car stopped suddenly.

Detente, necesito hablar contigo.

Stop, I need to talk to you.

The Reflexive 'Se'

When you add 'se' to 'detener' (detenerse), it means the subject is stopping itself. Remember to use the matching pronoun (me, te, nos, etc.) before the verb.

Imperative Pronoun Placement

Mistake: “Saying 'Te detén' for 'Stop!'”

Correction: In affirmative commands, the pronoun attaches to the end of the verb: 'Detente.' In negative commands, it goes before: 'No te detengas.'

plasmar

/plah-SMAHR//plazˈmaɾ/

verbC1
Use 'plasmar' when an image, text, or work of art captures or expresses the essence or reality of something.
A colorful painting on a canvas depicting a bright sunset over a calm ocean.

Examples

El artista plasma la tristeza en su pintura.

The artist reflects sadness in his painting.

La fotografía plasma la esencia de la ciudad.

The photograph captures the essence of the city.

El informe plasma la crisis actual de la empresa.

The report reflects the current crisis of the company.

A 'Stronger' Word for Capture

While 'capturar' is usually for catching a thief or taking a photo, 'plasmar' implies that the final result shows the spirit or depth of the subject.

Thinking 'reflejar' always means 'to think'

Many learners default to 'reflejar' for all meanings of 'to reflect'. Remember that 'reflejar' primarily concerns physical reflections (light, image) or showing qualities. For deep thought, use 'reflexionar'.

Related Translations

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