自相矛盾 (zì xiāng máo dùn) — Self-Contradiction
When your own statements contradict each other
Category: Chengyu (Idioms)
The Rule
自相矛盾 literally means 'self mutually spear shield'. From the story of a merchant who sold an 'unstoppable spear' and an 'impenetrable shield' — what happens when the spear meets the shield? It means to contradict oneself. 自相 (self mutually) + 矛盾 (spear shield → contradiction).
Why This Matters
This chengyu is so fundamental that the modern Chinese word for 'contradiction' (矛盾, máodùn) comes directly from it. When you learn 自相矛盾, you're also learning the origin of an everyday vocabulary word. The English equivalent is simply 'self-contradictory' or 'you can't have it both ways'. Extremely useful in arguments and logical discussions.
Examples
• 他说的话自相矛盾。(Tā shuō de huà zì xiāng máo dùn.) — "What he said is self-contradictory." [Pointing out logical inconsistency in someone's speech] • 你一边说减肥，一边吃蛋糕，自相矛盾啊！ — "You say you're dieting while eating cake — that's contradictory!" [Light-hearted teasing about inconsistent behavior] • 这篇文章的论点自相矛盾。 — "The arguments in this article contradict each other." [Academic/formal usage for logical critique]
Common Mistakes
❌ Using 自相矛盾 for disagreements between two people ✅ 自相矛盾 is about ONE person/thing contradicting ITSELF. Two people disagreeing is 意见不同 (different opinions). → 自相 means 'self-mutually' — the contradiction must be internal. An argument between two people is not 自相矛盾 unless one of them is being self-contradictory. ❌ Pronouncing 矛盾 wrong: máo dǔn ✅ 矛盾 (máo dùn) — 盾 is 4th tone, not 3rd → 矛 (máo, spear) is 2nd tone, 盾 (dùn, shield) is 4th tone. This is a common pronunciation error.
Quick Tip
Learning 自相矛盾 gives you two-for-one: the chengyu AND the modern word 矛盾 (contradiction/conflict), used daily in Chinese.
Learning 自相矛盾 gives you two-for-one: the chengyu AND the modern word 矛盾 (contradiction/conflict), used daily in Chinese.
Examples
Common Mistakes
Incorrect: Using 自相矛盾 for disagreements between two people → Correct: 自相矛盾 is about ONE person/thing contradicting ITSELF. Two people disagreeing is 意见不同 (different opinions).. 自相 means 'self-mutually' — the contradiction must be internal. An argument between two people is not 自相矛盾 unless one of them is being self-contradictory.
Incorrect: Pronouncing 矛盾 wrong: máo dǔn → Correct: 矛盾 (máo dùn) — 盾 is 4th tone, not 3rd. 矛 (máo, spear) is 2nd tone, 盾 (dùn, shield) is 4th tone. This is a common pronunciation error.
Quiz
What does 矛盾 mean in modern Chinese?