立场

• Pinyin: lì chǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 立 = person standing; 场 = 土 (earth) + 昜 (sun rising), an open field

Meaning

Position; standpoint; stance. One's viewpoint or side on an issue.

Refers to one's fundamental position or perspective on issues, often involving values or principles. Common in political, ethical, and professional contexts. Having a clear 立场 is generally seen as a virtue, while lacking one suggests weakness.

Examples

1. 在这个问题上，我们必须坚定自己的立场。 On this issue, we must firmly maintain our position.
2. 你能理解我的立场吗？我也是迫不得已。 Can you understand my position? I had no choice either.
3. 作为法官，他必须保持中立的立场。 As a judge, he must maintain a neutral stance.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, debate, professional

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 我的立场很明确。(My position is very clear.)
• 我们要站在消费者的立场考虑问题。(We need to consider the issue from the consumer's standpoint.)

Don't Say

• 你吃饭的立场是什么？(Don't use 立场 for trivial preferences — it's for serious positions on issues)

Origin & History

立 (lì, stand) + 场 (chǎng, field/ground). Literally 'where one stands' — one's position or standpoint.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal