zi6 soeng1 maau4 teon5自相矛盾
Jyutpingzi6 soeng1 maau4 teon5
Yalejih sēung màauh téuhn
Definition
To contradict oneself; to be inconsistent in one's words or actions.
neutralcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
Originating from the classical story of a merchant selling a spear and a shield, this idiom is used to point out logical flaws in someone's argument or behavior. It carries a formal tone and is often used in debates, formal complaints, or when critiquing someone's inconsistent logic. Unlike simpler colloquial ways of saying someone is confused, this term highlights a specific failure to maintain a consistent position.
Examples
You are being so inconsistent, how do you expect people to believe you?
His explanation is self-contradictory and simply doesn't make sense.
Related words
Common phrases
words and actions are inconsistent
logically self-contradictory
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective like 'confused' or 'wrong'. It specifically requires a situation where two statements or actions negate each other, rather than just being a general mistake or a lie.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
