Meaning of 矛盾
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- contradiction
- conflicting views
- contradictory
Measure word: 個|个
How to use 矛盾
矛盾 works as a noun for a conflict or contradiction, and as an adjective for feeling torn or for ideas that clash. It is common for conflicts between people and for mixed feelings. Example: 我心里很矛盾。(Wǒ xīnli hěn máodùn.) I feel really conflicted.
矛 (máo) means spear and 盾 (dùn) means shield, as you can see in related words like 长矛 (chángmáo) pike and 盾牌 (dùnpái) shield. Picture a spear that can pierce anything meeting a shield that nothing can pierce. The two claims cannot both be true, so spear plus shield means contradiction.
Common mistake: Learners often say the second syllable as dòn or dǔn. It is dùn, with a falling fourth tone. Also, 盾 is easy to confuse with 质 or 盾's lookalike 循 (xún); only 盾 has the eye 目 under a slanted roof with no person radical.
矛盾 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
矛 máo · spear · 5 strokes
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盾 dùn · shield · 9 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 矛盾.
Questions about 矛盾
What does 矛盾 mean?
矛盾 (máodùn) means "contradiction; conflicting views" and is used as a noun and adjective.
How do you write 矛盾?
矛盾 is made of 2 characters: 矛 (5 strokes), 盾 (9 strokes). That is 14 strokes in total.
Is 矛盾 an HSK word?
Yes. 矛盾 is on the HSK 5 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How do I say two people have a conflict using 矛盾?
Use 有矛盾 or 闹矛盾. For example, 他们俩有矛盾 (tāmen liǎ yǒu máodùn) means the two of them have a conflict, and 闹矛盾 suggests an open quarrel.
What is the difference between 矛盾 and 自相矛盾?
矛盾 is the general word for contradiction or conflict. 自相矛盾 (zìxiāng-máodùn) specifically means contradicting yourself, like when someone's own words do not match.