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March 24, 2026
宪法(憲法)xiànfǎ(xian4fa3)
The term 宪法 (xiàn fǎ) refers to the constitution of a country, which outlines the fundamental principles and laws that govern the state. It serves as the highest legal authority and protects the rights of citizens, ensuring the organization of government and its relationship with the governed. In discussions about law or politics, this term is frequently used to highlight the framework within which laws operate.
Frequency#5756DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, the constitution plays a crucial role in governance and is often referenced in discussions about the rights and responsibilities of citizens, reflecting the importance of legal frameworks in maintaining social order. The 1982 constitution is particularly significant as it marked a new era of reform.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'xiàn' (small, thin line) that represents the boundaries of a nation’s laws, and 'fǎ' (法) resembles a ‘path’ or ‘way’ that citizens must follow. Together, they create a 'path' that preserves the 'line' of rights and governance laid out in a country's constitution.
Meanings of 宪法
xiànfǎ(xian4fa3)
1constitution (of a country)
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About 宪法
宪法Simplified
憲法Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5756Frequency Rank
部Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 宪法
Podcast: 宪法
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AI Study Notes for 宪法
Quick Contrast
法律 (fǎlǜ, law) vs 规章 (guīzhāng, regulations) — use 宪法 when referring specifically to the constitution as the highest legal authority, rather than general laws or specific regulations.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'xiàn' (small, thin line) that represents the boundaries of a nation’s laws, and 'fǎ' (法) resembles a ‘path’ or ‘way’ that citizens must follow. Together, they create a 'path' that preserves the 'line' of rights and governance laid out in a country's constitution.
Usage Notes
When using 宪法, be mindful of its formal context; it is predominantly used in legal or academic discussions rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include 宪法规定 (xiàn fǎ guī dìng - constitutional provisions) and 宪法权利 (xiàn fǎ quán lì - constitutional rights). Avoid mixing it with less formal terms that may imply a different legal status.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 宪法 connects with other political and legal vocabulary. Students should focus on understanding its usage in legal documents and discussions, as well as related terms like 法律 (fǎ lǜ - law) and 政府 (zhèng fǔ - government).
Cultural Note
In China, the constitution plays a crucial role in governance and is often referenced in discussions about the rights and responsibilities of citizens, reflecting the importance of legal frameworks in maintaining social order. The 1982 constitution is particularly significant as it marked a new era of reform.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 宪法 with 法律, mistakenly using them interchangeably; for instance, saying '我学习法律的宪法' (I study the law's constitution) instead of '我学习宪法' (I study the constitution). Another common error is mispronouncing 宪法, particularly confusing the tones.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 宪法
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Grammar Patterns of 宪法
宪法 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
战后，为制定____组织了一次会议。
After the war, a convention was set up to frame a constitution.
Example Sentences for 宪法 (8)
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1
战后，为制定宪法组织了一次会议。
zhàn hòu， ， wéi zhì dìng xiàn fǎ zǔ zhī le yī cì huì。
After the war, a convention was set up to frame a constitution.
2
一项宪法修正案使得任何总统的任职不得超过两届。
yī xiàng xiàn fǎ xiū zhèng àn shǐ dé rèn hé zǒng tǒng de rèn zhí bù dé chāo guò liǎng jiè。
A constitutional amendment precludes any president from serving more than two terms.
3
四处蔓延的政治和经济混乱可能会使宪法变得可有可无。
sì chǔ màn yán de zhèng zhì hé jīng jì hùn luàn kě néng huì shǐ xiàn fǎ biàn dé kě yǒu kě wú。
Widespread political and economic disarray threatens to make the constitution meaningless.
4
依据《宪法》规定，不能一罪两判。
yī jù《 《 xiàn》 fǎ 》， guī dìng ， bù néng yī。
Under the Constitution, you cannot be tried twice for the same crime.
Brazil says its constitution forbids the private ownership of energy assets.
8
加利福尼亚的州宪法涵盖对隐私权的保障.
jiā lì fú ní yà de zhōu xiàn fǎ hán gài duì yǐn sī quán de bǎo zhàng.
California's state Constitution includes a guarantee of privacy.
Cultural Notes for 宪法
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the constitution plays a crucial role in governance and is often referenced in discussions about the rights and responsibilities of citizens, reflecting the importance of legal frameworks in maintaining social order. The 1982 constitution is particularly significant as it marked a new era of reform.
Frequently Asked Questions about 宪法
You can say: '宪法是国家的最高法律' (The constitution is the highest law of the country).
宪法 refers specifically to the constitution, whereas 法律 refers to laws in general.
It's mainly used in formal contexts, such as legal discussions or political discourse.
