the little red japanese book.

矛　is an old chinese character for spear that is still used in both languages.
盾 is an old chinese character for shield that is still used in both languages.

together, 矛盾 implies a spear meeting a shield.


in japanese, 矛盾 is read "mujun" and simply means a contradiction. It's got a bit of the "unstoppable force/immovable object" feel to it. Something's gotta give.

in chinese, 矛盾 with the reading "máodùn" denotes the "antagonistic contradiction", or the inherent and conflict between peasants and landowners. "máo dùn" implies the necessity of endless class struggle, and in some sense endless violence. Though it also seems to entail chick-fights.

confuse them at your own risk.

(also in japanese "手紙" (hand + paper) = a letter. in chinese "手紙" is toilet paper.)