1.
to reflect, to mirror
To cause an image to appear on a reflective surface such as a mirror or water.
鏡に顔を映した。
I looked at my face in the mirror.
湖が山の姿を美しく映していた。
The lake beautifully reflected the mountains.
水面に映された夕焼けが幻想的だった。
The sunset reflected on the water surface was fantastic.
2.
to project, to show on screen
To display images or video on a screen, projector, monitor, or similar device.
写真をスクリーンに映した。
I projected the photos on the screen.
カメラが事故の瞬間を映していた。
The camera had captured the moment of the accident.
プロジェクターで資料を映しながら、説明を進めた。
I proceeded with the explanation while projecting the materials on the projector.
TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞 (transitive). Intransitive pair: 映る.
ASPECT: ている indicates an ongoing state of reflecting/projecting. 映している = 'is reflecting/projecting.'
KANJI NOTE:
Distinguish from homophones:
- 映す: to reflect, to project (visual image) — this entry
- 写す: to copy, to photograph
- 移す: to move, to transfer
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 鏡に映す: to reflect in a mirror
- スクリーンに映す: to project onto a screen
- 姿を映す: to reflect a figure/form
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 映る: to be reflected (intransitive pair)
- 写す: to copy, to photograph
- 投影する: to project (technical)