宪法 — meaning in English: constitution

xiànfǎ · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for constitution

计数

jìshù

宪法

xiànfǎ

教学

jiàoxué

保费

bǎofèi

创业

chuàngyè

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 宪法 (xiànfǎ) primarily in formal discussions related to law, governance, and civil rights. For instance, you might hear it during debates at political forums, law school lectures, or in media reports discussing constitutional reforms or court rulings.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 法律 (fǎlǜ), meaning 'law,' but 宪法 (xiànfǎ) specifically refers to the constitution, the foundational legal document of a state. While 法律 can refer to any law or legislation, 宪法 emphasizes the supreme legal framework that governs a nation.

Culture

The term 宪法 (xiànfǎ) is deeply rooted in China's modern history, particularly after the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The first constitution was enacted in 1954, and since then, the concept of a constitution has evolved, reflecting changes in political ideology and governance. Interestingly, the character '宪' (xiàn) relates to 'to declare' or 'to announce,' while '法' (fǎ) means 'law,' highlighting the constitution's role as a formal declaration of the law of the land.

FAQ

Q.What does the Mandarin word 宪法 mean in English?

The Mandarin word 宪法 (xiànfǎ) translates to 'constitution' in English, referring to the fundamental principles and established precedents according to which a state is governed.

Q.How do you pronounce 宪法 in Mandarin?

宪法 is pronounced as 'xiànfǎ.' The first syllable 'xiàn' has a falling tone, while 'fǎ' has a rising tone, which is crucial for correct pronunciation.

Q.Can I use 宪法 in informal conversations?

Using 宪法 in informal conversations is rare as it is a formal term. In casual discussions, you might instead refer to laws in a more general sense using 法律 (fǎlǜ) instead.

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