1.
reflexive; instinctive; automatic; involuntary
Describes a reaction or response that happens instantly and without conscious thought, like a physical reflex.
反射的に手が出た。
My hand shot out reflexively.
大きな音に反射的に振り向いた。
I reflexively turned around at the loud noise.
危険を感じると、人は反射的に身を守ろうとする。
When people sense danger, they instinctively try to protect themselves.
反射的 describes reactions that happen instantly and involuntarily — like a reflex. From 反射 (reflection/reflex) + 的 (adjectival suffix).
FORMS:
- 反射的な + noun: reflexive (modifier)
- 反射的に: reflexively, instinctively (adverb — most common form)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 反射的に動く: to move reflexively
- 反射的に答える: to answer instinctively
- 反射的に身を引く: to flinch reflexively
- 反射的な行動: reflexive behavior
USAGE:
Describes both physical reactions (flinching, dodging, turning around) and verbal responses (blurting something out). Always implies the action was not deliberate.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 本能的: instinctive (driven by innate instinct, not necessarily fast)
- 無意識に: unconsciously (broader — can include habits, not just reflexes)