振り返る

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 振り返る is read as ふりかえる and is a verb meaning either to turn one's head or body to look behind or to reflect on past events and experiences.
• Basic usage: Use 驚いて振り返る for physically turning around in surprise and 一日の出来事を振り返る for reflecting on the day's events.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference between 振り返る and 思い出す
  • The former can mean physically turning back or deliberately reviewing the past, whereas the latter focuses on recalling a memory or forgotten information.