About
The character "反" has a traditional form identical to its modern one, originating as a pictographic representation of a hand turning over or against a surface, composed of the cliff or ledge component "厂" and the hand component "又". This foundational concept of turning over or reversing gave rise to its core semantic field, extending to meanings such as turning against, opposing, or rebelling against a prevailing condition. Over time, its application broadened from physical actions to more abstract notions, encompassing ideas of opposition, the contrary side, and even the act of introspection or looking back upon oneself, as seen in the concept of reflection. Its function also became important as a phonetic component in forming other characters, such as "返" (to return) and "饭" (cooked rice or meal), while consistently retaining its own essential connotations of reversal and opposition throughout its historical usage.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他反对这个提议。
反复练习才能学好。
这两件事正好相反。
他对新环境反应很快。
她反而感谢我的批评。
人民反抗压迫的斗争持续着。
反腐败是政府的重要任务。
从反面角度思考问题有时很有用。