Chinese word

宪法

Pronunciation

Pinyinxiàn fǎ

Meaning

  • nounconstitution

Example

有人在讨论修改宪法。yǒu rén zài tǎo lùn xiū gǎi xiàn fǎ

Some people are discussing amending the constitution.

Illustration for 宪法 (constitution)

More examples

这项行为可能违反宪法规定。zhè xiàng xíng wéi kě néng wéi fǎn xiàn fǎ guī dìng

This action may violate the provisions of the constitution.

Core concept

The highest legal framework for a country, shaping its institutions and setting boundaries for public power.

Common phrases

  • 违反宪法wéi fǎn xiàn fǎ

    violate the constitution

  • 宪法规定xiàn fǎ guī dìng

    provisions of the constitution

  • 受宪法保护shòu xiàn fǎ bǎo hù

    protected by the constitution

Similar words

法律fǎ lǜ: A binding rule that sets rights and duties, with violations subject to legal action or penalties.
法规fǎ guī: A concrete rule issued by a government body to put a law into practice.
条例tiáo lì: A specific rule made by a local government for use within its area.
基本法jī bén fǎ: A foundational law that establishes the basic structure of a particular region or system.

Definition in Chinese

宪法是规范国家根本制度、明确权力运行规则并规定修改程序的最高法律，是国家法制的基本依据。xiàn fǎ shì guī fàn guó jiā gēn běn zhì dù míng què quán lì yùn xíng guī zé bìng guī dìng xiū gǎi chéng xù de zuì gāo fǎ lǜ shì guó jiā fǎ zhì de jī běn yī jù

Word origin

宪法 (xiànfǎ, "constitution") combines 宪 (xiàn, "public norm") with 法 (fǎ, "law"), a transparent pairing that points to an authoritative public legal standard.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may use constitution for a person's physical makeup, but this Chinese noun is used in formal legal and civic contexts.

Related words

  • 宪法法院xiàn fá fǎ yuànconstitutional courtnoun
  • 宪法权利xiàn fǎ quán lìconstitutional rightsnoun

Word lists with this word