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HSK 3 Chinese reading practice

自相矛盾

zì xiāng máo dùn

The Spear and the Shield

A merchant claims that his spear can pierce anything and his shield can stop anything—until one question leaves him speechless.

RECOMMENDEDHSK 3
READ4 min
HANZI158
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文化
CULTURE

Two claims that cannot both be true

The story behind 自相矛盾 appears in the ancient text Han Feizi. Today the idiom describes words, ideas, or actions that contradict one another.

Key vocabulary9 words from this story
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Check your understanding

Answer three questions without looking at the English translation.

01卖兵器的人说自己的盾怎么样？
02他又说自己的矛怎么样？
03别人问了什么问题，让他无法回答？
0 / 3questions answered
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Chinese idiom guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about 自相矛盾

What does 自相矛盾 mean in English?

自相矛盾 (zì xiāng máo dùn) literally means “one’s own spear and shield oppose each other.” It describes two claims or actions that contradict each other.

When is 自相矛盾 used?

Use 自相矛盾 when a person’s statement cannot be true alongside something else they have said or done. For example: He said the task was impossible and then claimed he had already completed it, which was 自相矛盾.

What is the pinyin for 自相矛盾?

The pinyin pronunciation for 自相矛盾 is “zì xiāng máo dùn.”