faan2 se6反射
Jyutpingfaan2 se6
Yalefáan seh
Definition
A reflex; an involuntary, unplanned, and immediate reaction of the body to a stimulus.
neutralbodyhealth
How it's used
Refers specifically to involuntary physiological responses to stimuli, distinguishing it from conscious actions. It is frequently used in medical or scientific contexts, though it also appears in casual conversation when discussing sudden, instinctive movements. Unlike general reactions, it implies a biological mechanism that bypasses conscious thought.
Examples
The doctor taps your knee to see if there is a reflex.
This is a conditioned reflex of the body, you don't need to think about it.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to describe a conscious or deliberate reaction, as that would be better expressed as 反應. It is strictly for involuntary or automatic biological responses.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
