自相矛盾 (zì xiāng máo dùn): Meaning, Examples and Contradiction Checks

Start with two claims, not a personality label

The useful English starting points are self-contradictory, internally inconsistent or contradicts itself. Choose according to the sentence: an explanation can be self-contradictory, while a person’s statement may contradict what they previously said. The idiom can concern words or conduct; it does not explain a person’s motive.

The Chinese spelling is 自相矛盾 in both simplified and traditional writing. Its dictionary pinyin is zì xiāng máo dùn: fourth, first, second and fourth tones. In this expression, 相 is read xiāng. 矛 is a spear and 盾 a shield; the image concerns incompatible claims about the two objects. [1]

A contradiction requires a relevant conflict. Put the original claims beside each other before adding the idiom. If you cannot state what conflicts, ask for clarification in plain language first.

What the spear-and-shield passage actually tests

The Han Feizi passage reproduced in the dictionary describes a seller praising a shield that nothing can pierce, then a spear that can pierce anything. A listener asks what happens when that spear is used against that shield. The seller cannot answer. The entry locates the passage in Nan Yi and also supplies a parallel passage from Nan Shi. [1]

The conflict comes from the two unrestricted claims. If the spear pierces this shield, the shield claim fails. If it does not, the spear claim fails. Neither claim excluded the other object. This is a literary explanation of the idiom, rather than a historical report or a weapon experiment.

“The spear pierces some materials” and “the shield resists some attacks” would not create the same conflict. Those weaker statements have different limits. In modern writing, words such as every, never and only deserve the same attention.

If a direct entry link shows the dictionary’s entrance notice, use the official dictionary homepage, choose an edition and search the Chinese headword. That is the normal route used to read the source for this guide.

Use a Chinese sentence that names the conflict

These examples are original teaching scenarios, not quotations from conversations.

这份说明先说“不需要登记”，又说“只有登记者才能参加”，前后自相矛盾。

“The instructions first say ‘registration is unnecessary,’ then say ‘only registered people may participate’; the two statements contradict each other.” This works if both statements concern the same participants and event. A rule for visitors and another for exhibitors would need separate checking.

如果这两句话指的是同一时间和同一情况，这种说法就自相矛盾。

“If these two sentences refer to the same time and circumstances, this account contradicts itself.” The conditional opening makes the missing context visible. It is more careful than declaring the speaker dishonest.

这种说法自相矛盾 evaluates an account; 前后自相矛盾 highlights a conflict between parts or successive claims. In an English translation, keep the particular account or pair of statements visible instead of automatically translating the phrase as a judgment about someone’s character.

Separate contradiction, changed conditions and revision

The table is an original reasoning exercise. It does not assign a cause or intention to anyone. If a passage omits dates or exceptions, mark the missing information rather than inventing it to make an example fit.

Ask about the wording when context is incomplete

Calling an explanation self-contradictory is a criticism. For a genuine request for clarification, you can say “这两句话看起来不一致，能说明一下适用条件吗？” — “These two statements seem inconsistent; could you explain the conditions?” This is an original alternative, not an obligation to avoid the idiom.

If the problem is that an action works against a stated aim, read the existing 南辕北辙 entry. The questions overlap at the idea of conflict, but the starting points differ: a destination and a contrary method versus claims or conduct that cannot agree with one another. Use the particular evidence instead of treating the expressions as interchangeable labels.

Check one case before reading the answer

Fictional notice: “Children enter free; adults require a paid ticket.” A learner calls this 自相矛盾 because entry is both free and paid. Is the judgment supported?

For your own sentence, write the two claims, time and conditions on the original blank sentence-check record. Leave any missing context visible. A shorter question may be the better final sentence.