反应

• Pinyin: fǎn yìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 反 = 厂 (cliff) + 又 (hand), suggesting turning back; 应 = simplified from 應, meaning to respond

Meaning

Reaction; response. A physical, emotional, or mental response to a stimulus or event.

Used for both physical reactions (化学反应 = chemical reaction, 过敏反应 = allergic reaction) and figurative responses (反应很快 = quick to respond, 反应冷淡 = lukewarm response). Can also be used as a verb meaning to react or respond.

Examples

1. 观众对这部电影的反应非常好。 The audience's reaction to this movie was very positive.
2. 他反应很快，马上就回答了问题。 He reacted very quickly and answered the question right away.
3. 吃了这个药以后，身体有什么反应吗？ After taking this medicine, did your body have any reactions?

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, medical, entertainment

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你对这件事有什么反应？(What is your reaction to this matter?)
• 大家的反应都很积极。(Everyone's response was very positive.)

Don't Say

• 我没有反应这件事 (As a verb meaning 'to report/reflect,' the correct word is 反映 not 反应 — 反应 means to react, 反映 means to report)

Origin & History

Compound of 反 (return, reverse) and 应 (respond, should), meaning to respond back — the response that comes back from a stimulus.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal