xiànfǎ: 宪法 - Constitution

• Keywords: 宪法, xiànfǎ, Chinese constitution, constitution in China, PRC constitution, law in China, Chinese legal system, fundamental law, constitutional law, 修改宪法, xiūgǎi xiànfǎ, 依法治国
• Summary: Learn about 宪法 (xiànfǎ), the Chinese word for “constitution.” This page explains its direct meaning as the supreme law of the land, similar to its English counterpart. More importantly, it delves into the unique cultural and political context of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, contrasting its role and practical application with Western constitutions. Understand why 宪法 is a cornerstone of China's political philosophy but is used differently in daily legal life, a crucial insight for anyone studying Chinese society, law, or politics.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): xiàn fǎ
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 6
• Concise Definition: The fundamental and supreme law of a state; a constitution.
• In a Nutshell: 宪法 (xiànfǎ) is the direct translation of “constitution.” It refers to the highest legal document that outlines the structure of the state, the fundamental rights and duties of citizens, and the country's guiding principles. While the concept is universal, in the context of China, the 宪法 is deeply intertwined with the leadership of the Communist Party and serves more as a political blueprint and statement of national goals than a document citizens typically use to challenge the government in court.

• 宪 (xiàn): This character originally referred to a model, charter, or set of established regulations. It suggests a standard or a guiding principle set forth by an authority.
• 法 (fǎ): This character means “law,” “method,” or “standard.” The left-side radical `氵` (shuǐ) is water, symbolizing that law should be level and fair. The right side `去` (qù) provides the phonetic component.
• Together, 宪法 (xiànfǎ) literally means “charter law” or “model law,” perfectly capturing the idea of a single, foundational law that guides all other laws and the governance of the nation.

The concept of a 宪法 (xiànfǎ) in China presents a fascinating case of “same word, different world” when compared to Western constitutionalism, particularly in the United States. In the U.S., the Constitution is frequently invoked by ordinary citizens, advocacy groups, and politicians. It is the ultimate legal weapon for protecting individual liberties against state power, and concepts like “First Amendment rights” are part of the common vocabulary. The judiciary's power of constitutional review is a cornerstone of the system. In the People's Republic of China, the 宪法 holds a different kind of significance. It is revered as the supreme law in theory, but its primary function is to legitimize the state structure and the unshakeable leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Article 1 of the 2018 Constitution explicitly states: “The socialist system is the basic system of the People's Republic of China. … Leadership by the Communist Party of China is the most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics.” Therefore, the Chinese 宪法 is less a tool for individual litigation and more a political document that: 1. Outlines the State's Ideology: It codifies socialism with Chinese characteristics and the guiding thoughts of its leaders. 2. Defines the Power Structure: It establishes the roles of the National People's Congress, the State Council, the President, etc. 3. Sets National Goals: It provides a blueprint for national development and social harmony. While the constitution guarantees many rights (e.g., freedom of speech, of the press), these are often interpreted through the lens of collective stability and the Party's leadership, differing from the individualistic interpretation common in the West. This reflects a broader cultural value where the collective good and state stability are often prioritized over individual assertions of rights.

You will most often encounter 宪法 (xiànfǎ) in formal and official contexts. It is not a common word in casual, everyday conversation.

• In the News and Politics: The term is frequently used in government reports, political speeches, and news articles, especially when discussing legal reforms, national policy, or major political events. A key phrase is 修改宪法 (xiūgǎi xiànfǎ), “to amend the constitution,” a significant event that generates widespread discussion, such as the 2018 amendment that removed presidential term limits.
• National Constitution Day: China celebrates 宪法日 (Xiànfǎ Rì) on December 4th. On this day, there are government-led campaigns to promote legal knowledge and respect for the constitution.
• Legal Education: Law students and civil servants study the 宪法 extensively as the foundation of the Chinese legal system. The associated subject is called 宪法学 (xiànfǎxué), or Constitutional Law.

• Example 1:
  • 中华人民共和国宪法是国家的根本法。
  • Pinyin: Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó xiànfǎ shì guójiā de gēnběnfǎ.
  • English: The Constitution of the People's Republic of China is the fundamental law of the country.
  • Analysis: This is a standard, formal definition you would find in a textbook or official document. 根本法 (gēnběnfǎ) means “fundamental law.”
• Example 2:
  • 每一位公民都应该学习和尊重宪法。
  • Pinyin: Měi yī wèi gōngmín dōu yīnggāi xuéxí hé zūnzhòng xiànfǎ.
  • English: Every citizen should study and respect the Constitution.
  • Analysis: This sentence reflects the educational and civic duty aspect associated with the constitution in China.
• Example 3:
  • 全国人民代表大会有权修改宪法。
  • Pinyin: Quánguó Rénmín Dàbiǎo Dàhuì yǒu quán xiūgǎi xiànfǎ.
  • English: The National People's Congress has the power to amend the Constitution.
  • Analysis: This sentence describes the official legal process for constitutional amendments in China. 有权 (yǒu quán) means “to have the right/power to.”
• Example 4:
  • 官员在就职时需要向宪法宣誓。
  • Pinyin: Guānyuán zài jiùzhí shí xūyào xiàng xiànfǎ xuānshì.
  • English: Officials need to swear an oath to the Constitution when they take office.
  • Analysis: 向…宣誓 (xiàng… xuānshì) is a set phrase meaning “to swear an oath to…” This practice was formally established in China in 2016 to promote constitutional authority.
• Example 5:
  • 宪法保障公民的基本权利和自由。
  • Pinyin: Xiànfǎ bǎozhàng gōngmín de jīběn quánlì hé zìyóu.
  • English: The Constitution protects the basic rights and freedoms of citizens.
  • Analysis: While this is a factual statement of what's written in the document, the “Analysis” section above on cultural context is crucial for understanding its real-world application.
• Example 6:
  • 他的行为可能违宪了，但普通人很难提起违宪审查。
  • Pinyin: Tā de xíngwéi kěnéng wéixiàn le, dàn pǔtōngrén hěn nán tíqǐ wéixiàn shěnchá.
  • English: His actions may be unconstitutional, but it's very difficult for an ordinary person to initiate a constitutional review.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights the practical difference between Chinese and Western systems. 违宪 (wéixiàn) means “to violate the constitution” or “unconstitutional.” 违宪审查 (wéixiàn shěnchá) is “constitutional review.”
• Example 7:
  • 这位法学教授是宪法领域的专家。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi fǎxué jiàoshòu shì xiànfǎ lǐngyù de zhuānjiā.
  • English: This law professor is an expert in the field of constitutional law.
  • Analysis: 领域 (lǐngyù) means “field” or “domain.” This shows how 宪法 can refer to an academic field of study.
• Example 8:
  • 依法治国的核心是依宪法治国。
  • Pinyin: Yīfǎzhìguó de héxīn shì yī xiànfǎ zhìguó.
  • English: The core of “governing the country according to law” is governing according to the Constitution.
  • Analysis: A common political slogan connecting the popular concept of 依法治国 (yīfǎzhìguó) to the authority of the constitution.
• Example 9:
  • 宪法序言部分概述了中国的近代史和奋斗目标。
  • Pinyin: Xiànfǎ xùyán bùfen gàishù le Zhōngguó de jìndàishǐ hé fèndòu mùbiāo.
  • English: The preamble of the Constitution outlines China's modern history and its goals for struggle.
  • Analysis: 序言 (xùyán) means “preamble.” This points to the constitution's role as a narrative and ideological document.
• Example 10:
  • 很多国家的宪法都受到了美国宪法的影响。
  • Pinyin: Hěn duō guójiā de xiànfǎ dōu shòudào le Měiguó xiànfǎ de yǐngxiǎng.
  • English: The constitutions of many countries have been influenced by the U.S. Constitution.
  • Analysis: A good sentence for comparing the Chinese constitution to others on the world stage.

• The Conceptual Mistake: The most significant error for an English speaker is not one of translation but of conceptual application. Do not assume 宪法 (xiànfǎ) can be used in China in the same way the Constitution is in your home country. While it translates directly, its function is different.
• Incorrect Usage Example:
  • Incorrect: 我要告我房东，因为他侵犯了我的宪法权利！ (Wǒ yào gào wǒ fángdōng, yīnwèi tā qīnfàn le wǒ de xiànfǎ quánlì!) - “I'm going to sue my landlord because he violated my constitutional rights!”
  • Why it's wrong: This sounds strange and is legally ineffective in China. A landlord-tenant dispute would be handled under the 《民法典》(Mínfǎdiǎn) - the Civil Code - or contract law. Invoking the 宪法 in a private dispute is not a standard legal strategy and would likely be dismissed or ignored. The 宪法 governs the relationship between the citizen and the state, and even then, it's not typically used as a direct basis for lawsuits.

• 法律 (fǎlǜ) - Law; the general term for all legal statutes. 宪法 is the highest and most fundamental type of 法律.
• 依法治国 (yī fǎ zhì guó) - “To govern the country according to law.” A core principle of Chinese governance, with the 宪法 as its foundation.
• 违宪 (wéixiàn) - Unconstitutional. An adjective or verb describing an act that violates the constitution.
• 修正案 (xiūzhèng'àn) - Amendment. The formal change or addition made to the 宪法.
• 公民 (gōngmín) - Citizen. The 宪法 defines the fundamental rights and duties of a 公民.
• 人权 (rénquán) - Human Rights. A concept guaranteed in the 宪法, but with an interpretation that often emphasizes economic and social rights and is conditioned by social stability.
• 立法 (lìfǎ) - Legislation; the process of making laws. All 立法 must comply with the 宪法.
• 全国人民代表大会 (Quánguó Rénmín Dàbiǎo Dàhuì) - The National People's Congress (NPC). The highest state body in China and the only one with the power to amend the 宪法.
• 司法 (sīfǎ) - Judiciary; relating to the administration of justice. The 司法 system is tasked with interpreting and applying laws under the framework of the 宪法.
• 民法典 (Mínfǎdiǎn) - Civil Code. The comprehensive body of law that governs civil matters between individuals and entities, and the law you would actually use for a dispute with a landlord.