自相矛盾

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: zì xiāng máo dùn
• English Translation: Self-contradiction, being contradictory to oneself
• Idiom Composition: 「自」（Self）＋「相」（Mutually）＋「矛」（Spear）＋「盾」（Shield）
• Meaning: When one's own words or actions contradict each other, resulting in inconsistency or logical conflict.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「自相矛盾」 contains the following nuances:

• Logical contradiction: Refers to a state where a claim or idea contains contradictions within itself.
• Inconsistency between words and actions: Describes a situation where what one says does not match what one does.
• Self-negation: Means that one's own statements or actions negate their own position or claims.

3. Usage

「自相矛盾」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Criticism: Used to criticize people who make contradictory statements or actions, or arguments containing contradictions.
  • Example:「他的说法自相矛盾，根本不可信。」
    （His statement is self-contradictory and completely unreliable.）
• Pointing out problems: Used to point out contradictions inherent in policies or plans.
  • Example:「这个计划自相矛盾的地方太多，需要修改。」
    （This plan has too many contradictory points and needs revision.）
• Describing situations: Used to describe contradictory situations or being caught in a dilemma.
  • Example:「他现在处于自相矛盾的境地，进退两难。」
    （He is currently in a self-contradictory situation, caught in a dilemma.）

Additional Examples:

1. 你一边说减肥，一边又吃这么多，这不是自相矛盾吗？
   （You say you want to lose weight, but you eat so much; isn't that self-contradictory?）
2. 他的论点自相矛盾，难以自圆其说。
   （His argument is self-contradictory and hard to justify.）
3. 这个政策自相矛盾，既要发展经济，又要保护环境，很难两全其美。
   （This policy is self-contradictory; it aims to develop the economy while protecting the environment, which is hard to achieve simultaneously.）
4. 他的解释前后自相矛盾，让人无法理解。
   （His explanation is self-contradictory and hard to understand.）
5. 她的行为自相矛盾，让人捉摸不透。
   （Her behavior is contradictory, making it hard to grasp her true intentions.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• 'Self-contradiction' originates from a story in the ancient Chinese philosopher Han Feizi's work, where a merchant tried to sell a spear that could pierce any shield and a shield that could block any spear. When asked what would happen if the spear was used against the shield, he was at a loss for an answer.
• This idiom reflects the importance of logical thinking in Chinese culture, emphasizing that making consistent and non-contradictory claims is crucial for persuasiveness.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 言行不一 (yán xíng bù yī): When words and actions do not match.
  • 前后不一 (qián hòu bù yī): When actions or statements are inconsistent over time.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 言行一致 (yán xíng yí zhì): When words and actions are consistent.
  • 表里如一 (biǎo lǐ rú yī): When one's appearance and inner self are consistent.

6. Summary

'Self-contradiction' is an idiom born from the Chinese cultural emphasis on logical thinking. It sharply points out contradictions in thoughts or actions beyond mere verbal mistakes. Understanding and using this idiom can enhance your Chinese expression skills and help develop logical thinking.