矛盾
むじゅん·mujun
Meaning
contradiction; inconsistency; paradox; incompatibility
Nuance & Usage
矛盾 comes from a Chinese fable about a merchant who claimed his spear (矛) could pierce any shield (盾) and his shield could block any spear — a logical impossibility. 矛盾している (contradictory), 矛盾を孕む (to harbor contradictions), 矛盾を突く (to point out a contradiction), 自己矛盾 (self-contradiction) are key expressions. 矛盾 is both a noun and a verb stem: 矛盾する (to contradict). It's used in logical, legal, ethical, and everyday contexts. Understanding the origin makes the meaning unforgettable.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 矛盾 with 葛藤 (kattou — inner conflict, emotional) and 不一致 (fuicchi — discrepancy, inconsistency in data/facts). 矛盾 is specifically a logical contradiction — two statements or situations that cannot both be true at the same time. 矛盾した言動 (contradictory words and actions) is very natural. Don't say 矛盾がある人 to describe someone who is conflicted emotionally — use 葛藤を抱えている instead.
Example Sentences (3)
彼の言っていることとやっていることに矛盾がある。
かれのいっていることとやっていることにむじゅんがある。
There is a contradiction between what he says and what he does.
その規則には矛盾点が多く、改正が求められている。
そのきそくにはむじゅんてんがおおく、かいせいがもとめられている。
The regulation has many contradictions and is being called for reform.
自由と平等の間には、ときに矛盾が生じることがある。
じゆうとびょうどうのあいだには、ときにむじゅんがしょうじることがある。
Between freedom and equality, contradictions sometimes arise.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N14 questionsTest your knowledge of 矛盾 with 4 different question types.
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