Definition
折射 (zhé shè) literally means 'to refract' (bending light, as through a prism). Figuratively, it means to indirectly reveal a deeper truth or nature, like how a novel reveals social problems—distinct from 反映 (fǎn yìng, to report/reflect), 反射 (fǎn shè, to mirror directly), and 体现 (tǐ xiàn, to embody a quality).
verb
(physics) to refractrefraction(figurative) to reflectto reveal (a deeper nature or truth)
Examples
- 折射。Guāngxiàn tōngguò shuǐmiàn shí huì fāshēng zhé shè.Light rays refract when passing through a water surface.
- 折射。Zhè bù xiǎoshuō zhé shè chū shèhuì de xiànshí wèntí.This novel reflects the real problems of society.
- 折射。Tā de tàidu zhé shè le tā nèixīn de bù'ān.His attitude revealed his inner unease.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.