Definitions

xiàn (noun) constitution; law; statute

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "宪" originates from the traditional form "憲", which initially denoted a model or statute in classical usage. Structurally, "憲" combines the radical "宀" with components including "丰" and "心", the latter associating the concept with mind or intention, whereas the simplified form "宪" replaces the lower complex elements with the phonetic component "先" under the same "宀" radical. Over centuries, its meaning narrowed from broad legal precedents to specifically indicate constitutional law, as evident in modern terms such as "宪法" for constitution.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们学习法。

Wǒmen xuéxí xiànfǎ.

We study the constitution.

法具有最高法律效力。

Xiànfǎ jùyǒu zuìgāo fǎlǜ xiàolì.

The constitution has the highest legal effect.

国家必须遵守法。

Guójiā bìxū zūnshǒu xiànfǎ.

The country must abide by the constitution.

政是民主的保障。

Xiànzhèng shì mínzhǔ de bǎozhàng.

Constitutional government is the guarantee of democracy.

这部章规定了基本权利。

Zhè bù xiànzhāng guīdìng le jīběn quánlì.

This charter stipulates basic rights.

法修正案需要经过严格程序。

Xiànfǎ xiūzhèng'àn xūyào jīngguò yángé chéngxù.

Constitutional amendments require strict procedures.

制秩序对于社会稳定至关重要。

Xiànzhì zhìxù duìyú shèhuì wěndìng zhìguān zhòngyào.

Constitutional order is crucial for social stability.

法法院负责审查法律是否违

Xiànfǎ fǎyuàn fùzé shěnchá fǎlǜ shìfǒu wéixiàn.

The constitutional court is responsible for reviewing whether laws are unconstitutional.