他的话自相矛盾，不可信。
His words contradict themselves — they're not credible.
Daily Chengyu
自相矛盾
Self-contradictory; logically inconsistent.
Literal Meaning: Spear and shield against oneself.
自self
相each other
矛spear
盾shield
Today's Situation
A politician promises lower taxes and vastly higher spending in the same speech.
Perfect Chengyu: 自相矛盾
Actual Meaning
Points out when someone's claims or actions contradict each other. From the famous tale of an unbreakable spear and impenetrable shield.
Emotional toneCritical, logical
Usage feelOften negative or critical
FormalityNeutral
English Equivalent
- Contradict yourself.
- Self-defeating logic.
- Inconsistent.
English equivalents capture the general idea, but they may not fit every context exactly.
Modern Usage Example
Your argument is 自相矛盾 — you can't want speed and zero risk at once.
Chinese Example Sentences
这个政策自相矛盾。
This policy is internally contradictory.
Origin Story
A merchant claimed his spear could pierce any shield and his shield could block any spear. A bystander asked what happens when the spear meets the shield.
When Natives Use It
Good fit
- Debates
- Policy analysis
- Logic and writing classes
Avoid
Very common. Useful for pointing out logical flaws without personal insults.
- Common in speech
- Common in writing
- Sounds natural today
- Possible but uncommon in casual chat
- More common in writing or commentary
- Use with care — can sound critical
Similar and Opposite Chengyu
Daily Quiz
Which best matches 自相矛盾?
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