反思 fǎnsī to think back over something
to think back over something; to review; to revisit; to rethink; reflection; reassessment
How to remember 反思: 反 oppose + 思 think = to think back over something.
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How it is used
- To reflect critically on past actions to learn from them - 反思自己的错误 (fǎnsī zìjǐ de cuòwù) reflect on one's mistakes, 深刻反思 (shēnkè fǎnsī) reflect deeply.
- Carries a self-critical, reassessing tone; not idle thinking but reviewing to correct or improve.
- Contrast 回忆 (huíyì, reminisce) and 思考 (sīkǎo, think over); 反思 specifically turns thought back on oneself/one's past.