宪法 (xiànfǎ) — constitution
HSK 5 | noun | the supreme law of a country that defines government structure and rights
宪法 (xiànfǎ)
A constitution is the fundamental law of a nation that establishes the structure of government, the rights of citizens, and the principles that all other laws must follow.
Meanings
- [noun] constitution; the fundamental/supreme law of a state
Example Sentences
宪法是国家的根本大法，具有最高法律效力。 Xiànfǎ shì guójiā de gēnběn dàfǎ, jùyǒu zuìgāo fǎlǜ xiàolì. The constitution is the fundamental law of the country and has the highest legal authority.
所有公民的基本权利都受宪法的保护。 Suǒyǒu gōngmín de jīběn quánlì dōu shòu xiànfǎ de bǎohù. The fundamental rights of all citizens are protected by the constitution.
修改宪法需要经过严格的法律程序。 Xiūgǎi xiànfǎ xūyào jīngguò yángé de fǎlǜ chéngxù. Amending the constitution requires going through strict legal procedures.
国家领导人宣誓就职时，必须遵守宪法。 Guójiā lǐngdǎo rén xuānshì jiùzhí shí, bìxū zūnshǒu xiànfǎ. When national leaders take the oath of office, they must uphold the constitution.
依法治国的核心是以宪法为基础建立法律体系。 Yīfǎ zhìguó de héxīn shì yǐ xiànfǎ wéi jīchǔ jiànlì fǎlǜ tǐxì. The core of governing the country according to law is building a legal system based on the constitution.
这一政策被认为违反了宪法精神。 Zhè yī zhèngcè bèi rènwéi wéifǎnle xiànfǎ jīngshén. This policy was considered to violate the spirit of the constitution.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 宪法权利 (xiànfǎ quánlì) | constitutional rights |
| 修改宪法 (xiūgǎi xiànfǎ) | to amend the constitution |
| 违反宪法 (wéifǎn xiànfǎ) | to violate the constitution |
| 宪法精神 (xiànfǎ jīngshén) | the spirit of the constitution |
| 遵守宪法 (zūnshǒu xiànfǎ) | to uphold/abide by the constitution |
| 宪法保护 (xiànfǎ bǎohù) | constitutional protection |
Usage Notes
宪法 is a formal legal and political term. It is primarily used in discussions of government, law, and civic rights. In China, 宪法日 (Constitution Day) is celebrated on December 4th each year, reflecting the emphasis placed on constitutional awareness.
The compound 违宪 (to be unconstitutional) is a common shortened form used in legal discussions. Students at B2 level will encounter 宪法 frequently in texts about governance, civil rights, and political science.
Memory Hook
宪 (law/statute; note the radical 心 heart at the bottom) + 法 (law) -- the constitution is the law that comes from the heart of the nation, the highest law of all.