反応 — meaning in English: reaction

hannō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for reaction

反応

hannō

社会

shakai

記号

kigō

地区

chiku

障害

shōgai

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 反応 in conversations about emotions or responses to stimuli. For example, during a discussion about a movie's impact, one might say, '私の反応はとても強かった' (My reaction was very strong). It's also common in scientific contexts when discussing physiological reactions, such as in a chemistry class.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 返事 (henji), which means 'reply' or 'response.' However, 反応 focuses more on the instinctive or emotional reaction rather than a verbal response. Use 反応 when discussing feelings or reactions to events rather than simple replies.

Culture

The word 反応 (hannō) derives from the kanji 反 (han), meaning 'to reflect,' and 応 (ō), meaning 'to respond.' This reflects the concept of reflecting upon a situation or stimulus. In Japanese culture, where emotional expression is nuanced, understanding someone's 反応 can be critical for effective communication.

FAQ

Q.What does 反応 mean in English?

反応 translates to 'reaction' in English. It's commonly used to describe emotional or physical responses to events or stimuli.

Q.How can I use 反応 in a sentence?

You might say, '彼の反応は予想外だった' (His reaction was unexpected) to express surprise about someone's response.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 反応?

A common mistake is confusing 反応 with 反発 (hanpatsu), which means 'rebellion' or 'resistance.' Ensure you use 反応 when you intend to convey a response or reaction rather than a negative pushback.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000