1.
contradiction; inconsistency
A situation in which two or more facts, ideas, or statements cannot all be true or valid at the same time.
彼の話には矛盾がある。
There are contradictions in his story.
理論と現実が矛盾している。
Theory and reality are contradictory.
矛盾を解消する。
To resolve a contradiction.
矛盾 comes from a Chinese story about a man selling both a spear (矛) and a shield (盾), claiming each was invincible.
ETYMOLOGY: A merchant claimed his spear could pierce any shield, and his shield could block any spear. Someone asked what would happen if his spear struck his shield - exposing the contradiction.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 矛盾する: to contradict, be inconsistent
- 矛盾している: to be contradictory
- 矛盾を感じる: to feel a contradiction