自相矛盾

• Pinyin: zì xiāng máo dùn
• Hanzi breakdown: 自 = 自 (self); 相 = 木 + 目 (mutually); 矛 = 矛 (spear); 盾 = 盾 (shield)

Meaning

To contradict oneself; self-contradictory. Describes a statement or argument that contains internal logical inconsistencies.

A classical idiom from Han Feizi, based on the story of a vendor claiming his spear could pierce any shield and his shield could stop any spear. Widely used in argument analysis, debate, and everyday criticism of inconsistent reasoning.

Examples

1. 他的供词前后自相矛盾，令法庭对其可信度产生了严重质疑。 His testimony was full of contradictions, leading the court to seriously question its credibility.
2. 这份报告的结论与其前提自相矛盾，根本站不住脚。 The conclusions of this report contradict its own premises and simply don't hold up.
3. 你前一分钟说支持这个方案，后一分钟又反对，岂不是自相矛盾？ You said you supported this plan a minute ago and then opposed it the next—aren't you contradicting yourself?

Usage Guide

Context: argument, logic, debate, everyday

Tone: critical

Do Say

• 这个理论内部逻辑自相矛盾，很难令人信服。(The internal logic of this theory is self-contradictory and very hard to be convincing.)
• 批评他人浪费的同时自己大肆消费，这种做法明显自相矛盾。(Criticising others for waste while splurging oneself is an obviously self-contradictory stance.)

Don't Say

• 自相矛盾地赞扬 — 自相矛盾 describes logical contradiction; avoid using it as a casual intensifier for 'conflicting feelings'

Origin & History

源自《韩非子·难一》: 一个商贩声称其矛能刺穿一切盾牌，其盾又能抵挡一切矛，两项声明不能同时成立

Cultural Context

Era: Warring States

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal