How to say "reflex" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounA katakana loanword covering the same 'reflex' sense as 反射, but less common; for the body's involuntary reactions, 反射 is normally what you want, and this loanword is seldom needed.
- 反射はんしゃnounThe common word for a reflex: an automatic, involuntary reaction of the body to a stimulus, as when a doctor taps your knee. It also means the physical reflection of light or sound.
For the physiological sense of 'reflex' — an involuntary response of the body to a stimulus — 反射 is the common, default word; 「レフレックス」 is a less common loanword for the same idea and seldom what you want.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
