About

The word "矛盾" is formed by combining the characters for "spear" (矛) and "shield" (盾), originating from an ancient Chinese fable where a seller claimed his spear could pierce any shield and his shield could block any spear, resulting in a logical contradiction. The juxtaposition of these two opposing items directly conveys the meaning of contradiction or conflict.

Example Sentences Hide

他的心里充满矛盾。

Tā de xīnlǐ chōngmǎn máodùn.

His heart is filled with conflict.

这两份报告的数据互相矛盾。

Zhè liǎng fèn bàogào de shùjù hùxiāng máodùn.

The data in these two reports contradict each other.

她正处于一种矛盾的心理状态。

Tā zhèng chǔyú yī zhǒng máodùn de xīnlǐ zhuàngtài.

She is in a state of psychological ambivalence.

这种自相矛盾的说法削弱了他的可信度。

Zhè zhǒng zì xiāng máodùn de shuōfā xuēruò le tā de kě xìn dù.

This self-contradictory statement weakened his credibility.

这部小说揭示了主人公内心的深刻矛盾与挣扎。

Zhè bù xiǎoshuō jiēshì le zhǔréngōng nèixīn de shēnkè máodùn yǔ zhēngzhá.

This novel reveals the profound inner conflicts and struggles of the protagonist.

Word Definition - 矛盾

máo dùn contradiction; conflict; paradox

Individual Character Details

矛 máo
盾 dùn