zì xiāng máo dùn: 自相矛盾 - Self-Contradictory

• Keywords: zixiangmaodun, 自相矛盾, Chinese idiom for contradiction, self-contradictory, spear and shield story, Han Feizi story, Chinese logic, Chengyu meaning, HSK 5 vocabulary.
• Summary: 自相矛盾 (zì xiāng máo dùn) is a popular Chinese idiom (Chengyu) that means “to be self-contradictory.” It originates from a famous ancient story about a merchant who claims to sell both an unbreakable shield and an unstoppable spear, creating an impossible logical conflict. This term is widely used in modern China to point out inconsistencies in arguments, statements, or actions, making it a crucial piece of vocabulary for understanding everyday conversation and debate.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zì xiāng máo dùn
• Part of Speech: Idiom (Chengyu) / Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To be self-contradictory; for one's statements or actions to conflict with each other.
• In a Nutshell: Imagine holding a spear in one hand and a shield in the other, and then trying to use the spear to pierce the shield. This is the literal image behind `自相矛盾`. It describes any situation, argument, or plan where two parts are in direct opposition, making the whole thing illogical and nonsensical. It's the classic “you can't have it both ways” scenario.

• 自 (zì): Self, oneself, from.
• 相 (xiāng): Mutually, each other.
• 矛 (máo): A spear or lance.
• 盾 (dùn): A shield.
• Combined Meaning: The characters literally translate to “self mutually spear shield.” This paints a vivid picture of one's own spear attacking one's own shield, which perfectly visualizes the concept of an internal, inherent contradiction.

The idiom `自相矛盾` comes from a famous story in the classic text Han Feizi (《韩非子》), written by the Legalist philosopher Han Fei during the 3rd century BCE. The story goes:

A man from the state of Chu was selling weapons. He held up a shield and boasted, “My shields are so sturdy that nothing can pierce them!” (吾盾之坚，物莫能陷也).
He then held up a spear and boasted, “My spears are so sharp that there is nothing they cannot pierce!” (吾矛之利，于物无不陷也).
A bystander asked him, “What would happen if I were to use your spear to pierce your shield?” (以子之矛，陷子之盾，何如?).
The seller was unable to answer.

This story is a cornerstone of teaching basic logic and rhetoric in China. It's as well-known as “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” in the West. Its significance lies in its simplicity and power to illustrate a fundamental logical fallacy. Comparison to Western Culture: The closest Western concept is the “irresistible force paradox” (what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?). However, `自相矛盾` is far more practical and less philosophical in its everyday use. While Westerners might say “that's a logical fallacy” or “your argument is contradictory” in a formal debate, Chinese speakers use `自相矛盾` in casual conversations, business meetings, and even when teasing friends. It's a common tool to call out inconsistency on the spot, reflecting a cultural appreciation for clear, logical expression.

`自相矛盾` is a versatile and common idiom used to critique inconsistency.

• In Arguments and Debates: It's the go-to phrase to point out a flaw in someone's reasoning. For example, “You say you want to save money, but you eat at expensive restaurants every day. Isn't that a bit `自相矛盾`?”
• In Official Contexts: It can be used to criticize policies, official statements, or company strategies that seem to have conflicting goals. For example, a policy that claims to protect the environment while also increasing coal production would be described as `自相矛盾`.
• Describing Feelings or Behavior: It can describe a person's internal conflict or inconsistent actions. For example, someone who says they hate crowds but constantly goes to concerts is acting in a `自相矛盾` way.

Connotation: The term is inherently negative, as it points out a flaw. It can range from a gentle observation to a sharp criticism depending on the tone of voice and context.

• Example 1:
  • 你刚才说你很累，现在又说想去通宵唱歌，你是不是有点自相矛盾啊？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ gāngcái shuō nǐ hěn lèi, xiànzài yòu shuō xiǎng qù tōngxiāo chànggē, nǐ shì bu shì yǒudiǎn zì xiāng máo dùn a?
  • English: You just said you were very tired, and now you're saying you want to go sing karaoke all night. Aren't you being a bit self-contradictory?
  • Analysis: A very common, informal use among friends to point out a change of mind or inconsistent desires. The `啊 (a)` at the end softens the tone.
• Example 2:
  • 这家公司的广告声称他们注重环保，但他们的工厂却一直在污染河流，这完全是自相矛盾。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī de guǎnggào shēngchēng tāmen zhùzhòng huánbǎo, dàn tāmen de gōngchǎng què yīzhí zài wūrǎn héliú, zhè wánquán shì zì xiāng máo dùn.
  • English: This company's advertisements claim they focus on environmental protection, but their factories are continually polluting the river. This is completely self-contradictory.
  • Analysis: A more formal and critical usage, pointing out hypocrisy between a company's public image and its actions.
• Example 3:
  • 他的证词自相矛盾，漏洞百出，法官根本不相信。
  • Pinyin: Tā de zhèngcí zì xiāng máo dùn, lòudòng bǎi chū, fǎguān gēnběn bù xiāngxìn.
  • English: His testimony was self-contradictory and full of holes; the judge didn't believe it at all.
  • Analysis: Used in a legal or formal context to describe flawed evidence. `漏洞百出 (lòudòng bǎi chū)` means “full of loopholes/flaws” and is often paired with `自相矛盾`.
• Example 4:
  • 政府的这项新政策听起来有些自相矛盾：它既要减税，又要增加公共开支。
  • Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ de zhè xiàng xīn zhèngcè tīngqilai yǒuxiē zì xiāng máo dùn: tā jì yào jiǎnshuì, yòu yào zēngjiā gōnggòng kāizhī.
  • English: The government's new policy sounds a bit self-contradictory: it wants to both cut taxes and increase public spending.
  • Analysis: A common way to analyze economics or politics. The structure `既要…又要…` (jì yào… yòu yào… - wants to both… and…) often sets up a contradiction.
• Example 5:
  • 如果你认为人人平等，却又支持这种不公平的制度，你的观点就是自相矛盾的。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ nǐ rènwéi rén rén píngděng, què yòu zhīchí zhè zhǒng bù gōngpíng de zhìdù, nǐ de guāndiǎn jiùshì zì xiāng máo dùn de.
  • English: If you believe that all people are equal, yet you support this unfair system, your viewpoint is self-contradictory.
  • Analysis: Used to deconstruct a philosophical or ideological argument by pointing out an internal conflict.
• Example 6:
  • 他解释自己为什么迟到，但前言不搭后语，自相矛盾，我们都知道他在撒谎。
  • Pinyin: Tā jiěshì zìjǐ wèishénme chídào, dàn qiányán bù dā hòuyǔ, zì xiāng máo dùn, wǒmen dōu zhīdào tā zài sāhuǎng.
  • English: He explained why he was late, but his words were incoherent and self-contradictory, so we all knew he was lying.
  • Analysis: Shows how `自相矛盾` can imply dishonesty. `前言不搭后语 (qiányán bù dā hòuyǔ)` is another idiom meaning “the words don't connect” and reinforces the idea.
• Example 7:
  • 一方面你想独立，另一方面你又事事依赖父母，你的内心是不是很自相矛盾？
  • Pinyin: Yī fāngmiàn nǐ xiǎng dúlì, lìng yī fāngmiàn nǐ yòu shì shì yīlài fùmǔ, nǐ de nèixīn shì bu shì hěn zì xiāng máo dùn?
  • English: On one hand, you want to be independent, but on the other hand, you rely on your parents for everything. Isn't your heart very conflicted (self-contradictory)?
  • Analysis: This example applies the idiom to a person's internal psychological state or feelings.
• Example 8:
  • 这个角色的设定自相矛盾，让观众觉得他很不真实。
  • Pinyin: Zhège juésè de shèdìng zì xiāng máo dùn, ràng guānzhòng juéde tā hěn bù zhēnshí.
  • English: The character's setup (in this movie/book) is self-contradictory, making the audience feel he is not realistic.
  • Analysis: Used in literary or film criticism to describe a poorly written character whose traits and actions don't align.
• Example 9:
  • 他说他不在乎钱，但他工作的唯一动力就是奖金。这种言行不一的做法实在自相矛盾。
  • Pinyin: Tā shuō tā bùzàihū qián, dàn tā gōngzuò de wéiyī dònglì jiùshì jiǎngjīn. Zhè zhǒng yánxíng bùyī de zuòfǎ shízài zì xiāng máo dùn.
  • English: He says he doesn't care about money, but his only motivation for working is the bonus. This kind of inconsistency between words and actions is truly self-contradictory.
  • Analysis: Links `自相矛盾` directly with `言行不一 (yán xíng bù yī - words and actions don't match)`, highlighting a specific type of contradiction.
• Example 10:
  • 避免在你的论文中出现自相矛盾的论点是取得高分的关键。
  • Pinyin: Bìmiǎn zài nǐ de lùnwén zhōng chūxiàn zì xiāng máo dùn de lùndiǎn shì qǔdé gāofēn de guānjiàn.
  • English: Avoiding self-contradictory arguments in your thesis is the key to getting a high score.
  • Analysis: A practical piece of advice for academic writing, showing the term's use in an educational context.

• Mistake 1: Confusing it with interpersonal conflict.
  • `自相矛盾` describes a contradiction within a single person, argument, or entity. It is not used for a disagreement between two different people.
  • Incorrect: 我和我的朋友自相矛盾。(My friend and I are self-contradictory.)
  • Correct: 我和我的朋友有矛盾。(My friend and I have a conflict/disagreement.)
  • Correct: 他自己的说法自相矛盾。(His own statement is self-contradictory.)
• Mistake 2: Confusing it with a “paradox”.
  • In English, a “paradox” (悖论, bèilùn) can be a deep, philosophical statement that seems contradictory but contains a hidden truth (e.g., “This is the beginning of the end”).
  • `自相矛盾` is not deep or philosophical. It points to a simple, clear, and unresolvable logical flaw. It means something is just plain wrong, not mysteriously profound.
• Nuance: Formality and Directness
  • While common, `自相矛盾` is a very direct accusation of flawed logic. In sensitive situations or with someone you need to be polite to, you might use a softer phrase like:
    • `你这个说法好像和你刚才说的不太一样。` (What you're saying now seems a bit different from what you said before.)
    • `这里是不是有点问题？` (Is there maybe a small problem here?)

• 矛盾 (máodùn) - The core word for “contradiction” or “conflict”. `自相矛盾` is a specific idiom describing an internal `矛盾`.
• 出尔反尔 (chū ěr fǎn ěr) - To go back on one's word; to be inconsistent in promises. Focuses on inconsistency over time.
• 言行不一 (yán xíng bù yī) - A person's words and actions do not match. A specific type of `自相矛盾` that contrasts speech with behavior.
• 前后矛盾 (qián hòu máo dùn) - “Front and back contradict.” A more literal and less idiomatic way to say that something said earlier contradicts something said later.
• 漏洞 (lòudòng) - A loophole, flaw, or weakness. An argument that is `自相矛盾` is full of `漏洞`.
• 韩非子 (Hán Fēizǐ) - The book of philosophy from the Warring States period where the original story of the spear and shield is recorded.
• 悖论 (bèilùn) - A paradox. The more complex, philosophical concept of a contradiction that may contain a deeper truth.