Definition

1. Noun:

   • Reflected light: Light that is thrown back or bounced off a surface, rather than being absorbed or passing through it. This is the core scientific and general meaning.
   • Reflection: The phenomenon or process of light being reflected.

2. Adjective (Attributive):

   • Reflective: Describing a surface or material that sends light back. Often used in compounds like "vải phản quang" (reflective fabric).
   • Retroreflective: Specifically describing a surface that reflects light back toward its source, crucial for safety applications.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Ánh phản quang từ mặt hồ rất chói. (The reflected light from the lake surface is very glaring.)
  • Hiện tượng phản quang giúp chúng ta nhìn thấy các vật. (The phenomenon of reflection allows us to see objects.)

• Adjective:

  • Công nhân đường bộ mặc áo có dải phản quang. (Road workers wear jackets with reflective strips.)
  • Biển báo giao thông này được làm bằng chất liệu phản quang. (This traffic sign is made of retroreflective material.)

Advanced Usage

• "sự phản quang": A more formal nominalization, emphasizing the state or process of reflection.
  • Sự phản quang không hoàn toàn có thể gây chói. (Incomplete reflection can cause glare.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phản xạ (v/n): To reflect / reflection. Often used more broadly for energy (light, sound, heat) and in scientific contexts.

  • Gương phản xạ ánh sáng. (The mirror reflects light.)

• Phản chiếu (v): To reflect, to mirror. Often used for images or figurative meanings.

  • Mặt nước phản chiếu bóng cây. (The water reflects the image of the trees.)

Synonyms

• Reflected light: The returned light itself.
• Reflection: The general process or instance of light bouncing back.
• Retroreflection: The specific type of reflection back to the light source.

Related Idioms and Compounds

• Áo phản quang: Reflective jacket/vest.

  • Mọi người nên mặc áo phản quang khi đi xe đạp đêm. (People should wear reflective vests when cycling at night.)

• Vật liệu phản quang: Reflective material.

  • Vật liệu phản quang rất quan trọng cho an toàn giao thông. (Reflective material is very important for traffic safety.)