Translation and Meaning of: 矛盾 - mujyun

The Japanese word 「矛盾」, read as "mujyun", is composed of two kanji: 「矛」(mou) meaning "spear", and 「盾」(jun) meaning "shield". Literally, the term refers to the incongruence in the simultaneous use of a spear and a shield, symbolizing the antithesis between defense and attack. This leads to the interpretation of the word as a concept of "contradiction".

The origin of the term 「矛盾」 dates back to an ancient Chinese tale recorded in the "Han Feizi", a classic of legalist philosophy in China. In the story, a seller attempted to promote his products by praising the excellence of his spear and his shield, referring to the spear as capable of piercing anything and the shield as impenetrable by any object. When asked what would happen if his spear pierced his own shield, the seller was left without an answer, highlighting a situation of evident contradiction.

In the modern context, 「矛盾」 is widely used in Japan to describe situations and arguments that are logically inconsistent or mutually exclusive. The expression not only reflects actions or speeches that oppose each other, but is also applied in emotional or philosophical contexts, such as in moral dilemmas where genuine intentions may collide. Furthermore, it can be used in a more everyday context to describe conflicting feelings or thoughts within the same person or in interpersonal interactions.

The versatility of the term 「矛盾」 is evident in the variations of its applications in the Japanese language. The expression is not only used in everyday discourse but also in literary works, debates, and philosophical discussions, where the analysis of contradictions becomes a valuable tool for deepening understandings and resolving apparent conflicts. By studying the Japanese language and culture, understanding the essence of 「矛盾」 can offer significant insights into how contradictions are faced and resolved.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 矛盾 (Mujun) - Contradiction
• 矛盾する (Mujun suru) - Contradict, present contradiction
• 矛盾した (Mujun shita) - Contradictory, in contradiction
• 矛盾を抱える (Mujun o kakaeru) - To carry a contradiction, to be involved in contradiction
• 矛盾点 (Mujunten) - Point of contradiction
• 矛盾を生じる (Mujun o shōjiru) - Generate a contradiction
• 矛盾を解消する (Mujun o kaishō suru) - Resolve a contradiction
• 矛盾を指摘する (Mujun o shiteki suru) - Indicate a contradiction
• 矛盾を含む (Mujun o fukumu) - Include a contradiction.
• 矛盾を感じる (Mujun o kanjiru) - Feel the contradiction
• 矛盾を招く (Mujun o maneku) - To provoke a contradiction
• 矛盾を許さない (Mujun o yurusasanai) - Do not tolerate contradictions
• 矛盾を理解する (Mujun o rikai suru) - Understand the contradiction
• 矛盾を認める (Mujun o mitomeru) - Recognize the contradiction

矛盾

Romaji: mujyun
Kana: むじゅん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: contradiction; inconsistency

Meaning in English: contradiction;inconsistency

Definition: Maintain contradictory ideas and claims at the same time.

Example Sentences - (矛盾) mujyun

See below some example sentences:

矛盾がある。

Mujun ga aru

There is a contradiction.

• 矛盾 (mujun) - It means "contradiction" or "inconsistency"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある (aru) - Verb that means "to exist"