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March 24, 2026
对立(對立)duìlì(dui4li4)
对立 (duìlì) means to oppose or to be in opposition to something. It is commonly used in contexts discussing contrasting ideas, ideologies, or entities, often emphasizing a conflict or antagonism. This term conveys not just simple disagreement, but a fundamental opposition that can be philosophical, political, or relational.
Frequency#16421DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 对立 is prevalent in Chinese philosophy, particularly in the yin-yang theory, where opposites are interconnected and interdependent. This reflects a cultural understanding that contrasts can lead to balance and harmony.
Memory Tip
Imagine two people standing back-to-back, each representing opposing ideas. The character 对 (duì) resembles a person facing someone else, while 立 (lì) means to stand. Picture them engaged in a debate, firmly standing their ground in a 'duel' of ideas.
Meanings of 对立
duìlì(dui4li4)
1to oppose
2to set sth against
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 对立
对立Simplified
對立Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#16421Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 对立
Podcast: 对立
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AI Study Notes for 对立
Quick Contrast
对抗 (duìkàng) - use 对立 for a broader sense of opposition, while 对抗 emphasizes active resistance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine two people standing back-to-back, each representing opposing ideas. The character 对 (duì) resembles a person facing someone else, while 立 (lì) means to stand. Picture them engaged in a debate, firmly standing their ground in a 'duel' of ideas.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 对立 with simply disagreeing; 对立 implies a stronger, more entrenched opposition. It's often used in formal contexts such as academic discussions or political debates. Pay attention to the tone; the fourth tone can be easily mispronounced, leading to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 对立 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to conflict and contrast. Students should focus on its usage in complex sentences and understand its implications in various contexts, especially in literature and social sciences.
Cultural Note
The concept of 对立 is prevalent in Chinese philosophy, particularly in the yin-yang theory, where opposites are interconnected and interdependent. This reflects a cultural understanding that contrasts can lead to balance and harmony.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 对立 as a synonym for 'disagree'; however, it suggests a more profound opposition. For instance, saying '我们对立了' (We opposed) instead of '我们意见不合' (We disagree) misrepresents the nuance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 对立
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Grammar Patterns of 对立
对立 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这是完全____的目标之间的正面冲突。
This was a straight conflict of directly opposed aims.
Example Sentences for 对立 (6)
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1
这是完全对立的目标之间的正面冲突。
zhè shì wán quán duì lì de mù biāo zhī jiān de zhèng miàn chōng tū。
This was a straight conflict of directly opposed aims.
2
那将使得对立供应商之间的竞争更加你死我活。
nà jiāng shǐ dé duì lì gōng yīng shāng zhī jiān de jìng zhēng gēng jiā nǐ sǐ wǒ huó。
That would make the competition between rival suppliers even deadlier.
gōng zhòng yú lùn zài ān lè sǐ zhè yī wèn tí shàng fēn huà chéng le wán quán bù tóng de duì lì guān diǎn.
Public opinion polarised into completely opposite opinions on the issue of mercy killing.
5
黑是白的对立面.
hēi shì bái de duì lì miàn.
Black is the opposite of white.
6
阴和阳是贯通整个世界的两个相对立的力量.
yīn hé yáng shì guàn tōng zhěng gè shì jiè de liǎng gè xiāng duì lì de lì liáng.
Yang is the muscling principle in nature and Yin is the opposite.
Cultural Notes for 对立
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 对立 is prevalent in Chinese philosophy, particularly in the yin-yang theory, where opposites are interconnected and interdependent. This reflects a cultural understanding that contrasts can lead to balance and harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions about 对立
Yes, 对立 can refer to any opposing ideas or entities, not just political situations.
Not necessarily; it can describe a neutral or even productive opposition, depending on the context.
You can say, '这两个观点是对立的' (These two viewpoints are opposed).
