宪法 (xiàn fǎ) — Chinese Word

noun HSK 5

Traditional 憲法

xiàn fǎ

constitution · constitutional law

Meaning

宪法 refers to the fundamental law or supreme legal document of a country that establishes the principles of government, defines the powers and duties of different branches, and guarantees basic rights to citizens. It is the highest authority in a nation's legal system, and all other laws must conform to it.

Usage

This is a formal, legal-political term used in official contexts, news, legal discussions, and civic education. It commonly appears in phrases like 宪法规定 (constitutional provisions) and 违宪 (unconstitutional). Native speakers use it when discussing government structure, legal rights, or political systems.

Examples

01
每个公民都应该了解国家的宪法。
Měi gè gōng mín dōu yīng gāi liǎo jiě guó jiā de xiàn fǎ.
Every citizen should understand the country's constitution.
02
这项政策违反了宪法规定。
Zhè xiàng zhèng cè wéi fǎn le xiàn fǎ guī dìng.
This policy violates constitutional provisions.

Characters

Measure words

部bù一部宪法
条tiáo一条宪法条款

Common collocations

宪法规定
xiàn fǎ guī dìng
constitutional provisions
违宪
wéi xiàn
unconstitutional
宪法权利
xiàn fǎ quán lì
constitutional rights
修改宪法
xiū gǎi xiàn fǎ
to amend the constitution

Origin

宪 originally meant 'law' or 'statute' in classical Chinese. When combined with 法 (law), it forms a compound meaning 'fundamental law.' The term was adopted in modern Chinese to translate Western concepts of constitutional law during the late Qing Dynasty reforms.