HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 宀, rank #27918, Very Hard
宪
xiàn
constitution
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 宀, rank #27918, Very Hard
宪
xiàn
constitution, statute, law
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 宀, rank #27918, Very Hard
xiàn(xian4) T4
1statute
2constitution
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March 24, 2026
宪(憲)xiàn(xian4)
The character 宪 (xiàn) refers to a statute or constitution, which is a fundamental law that outlines the principles and framework of a government. It is commonly used in legal contexts, especially when discussing rights and governance. This term is essential in understanding the legal system and political structure in China.
Strokes9Radical宀Frequency#27918DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of a constitution is significant as it reflects the principles of socialism and the governance of the state. The Constitution of the People's Republic of China, enacted in 1982, outlines the fundamental rights of citizens and the structure of government.
Memory Tip
Imagine the character 宪 as a house (宀) with a law book (干) inside it. This symbolizes the idea that the constitution is the foundation of the legal system, just like a house is built on a solid foundation. To remember the pronunciation, think of 'xiàn' as 'shining' a light on the laws that govern society.
Meanings of 宪
xiàn(xian4)
1statute
2constitution
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 宪
宪Simplified
憲Traditional
9Strokes
宀Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#27918Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 宪
Podcast: 宪
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AI Study Notes for 宪
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine the character 宪 as a house (宀) with a law book (干) inside it. This symbolizes the idea that the constitution is the foundation of the legal system, just like a house is built on a solid foundation. To remember the pronunciation, think of 'xiàn' as 'shining' a light on the laws that govern society.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 宪 (xiàn) with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings. It's often used in formal contexts, such as legal discussions or academic writings. Common collocations include 宪法 (xiànfǎ, constitution) and 宪法法院 (xiànfǎ fǎyuàn, constitutional court).
HSK Study Tips
Although 宪 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other legal terms like 法 (fǎ, law) and 条例 (tiáolì, regulation) that learners may encounter at higher levels. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in legal contexts and understand its relation to governance.
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of a constitution is significant as it reflects the principles of socialism and the governance of the state. The Constitution of the People's Republic of China, enacted in 1982, outlines the fundamental rights of citizens and the structure of government.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 宪 with similar characters like 现 (xiàn, present) or 限 (xiàn, limit) due to their similar pronunciation. It's important to remember that 宪 specifically pertains to laws and constitutions, while the others have different meanings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 宪
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Grammar Patterns of 宪
宪 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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
既然出售香烟是合法的，那么禁止做香烟广告就是违____的。
Banning cigarette advertising would be unconstitutional, since selling cigarettes is legal.
Example Sentences for 宪 (9)
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1
既然出售香烟是合法的，那么禁止做香烟广告就是违宪的。
jì rán chū shòu xiāng yān shì hé fǎ de， ， nà mó jīn zhǐ zuò xiāng yān guǎng gào jiù shì wéi xiàn。
Banning cigarette advertising would be unconstitutional, since selling cigarettes is legal.
2
战后，为制定宪法组织了一次会议。
zhàn hòu， ， wéi zhì dìng xiàn fǎ zǔ zhī le yī cì huì。
After the war, a convention was set up to frame a constitution.
3
一项宪法修正案使得任何总统的任职不得超过两届。
yī xiàng xiàn fǎ xiū zhèng àn shǐ dé rèn hé zǒng tǒng de rèn zhí bù dé chāo guò liǎng jiè。
A constitutional amendment precludes any president from serving more than two terms.
4
四处蔓延的政治和经济混乱可能会使宪法变得可有可无。
sì chǔ màn yán de zhèng zhì hé jīng jì hùn luàn kě néng huì shǐ xiàn fǎ biàn dé kě yǒu kě wú。
Widespread political and economic disarray threatens to make the constitution meaningless.
5
依据《宪法》规定，不能一罪两判。
yī jù《 《 xiàn》 fǎ 》， guī dìng ， bù néng yī。
Under the Constitution, you cannot be tried twice for the same crime.
Brazil says its constitution forbids the private ownership of energy assets.
9
加利福尼亚的州宪法涵盖对隐私权的保障.
jiā lì fú ní yà de zhōu xiàn fǎ hán gài duì yǐn sī quán de bǎo zhàng.
California's state Constitution includes a guarantee of privacy.
Cultural Notes for 宪
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the concept of a constitution is significant as it reflects the principles of socialism and the governance of the state. The Constitution of the People's Republic of China, enacted in 1982, outlines the fundamental rights of citizens and the structure of government.
Word Family of 宪
Words Containing This Character13
宪法xiànfǎconstitution (of a country)憲法
宪章charter憲章
宪兵military police憲兵
宪xiànstatute憲
违宪unconstitutional違憲
宪政constitutional government憲政
修宪to amend the constitution修憲
宪兵队the Kempeitai or Japanese Military Police 1881-1945 (Japanese counterpart of the Gestapo during WWII)憲兵隊
立宪to set up a constitution立憲
黄遵宪Huang Zunxian (1848-1905), Qing dynasty poet and diplomat, author of A Record of Japan 日本國誌|日本国志[RìběnGuózhì], an extended analysis of Meiji Japan黃遵憲
君主立宪制constitutional monarchy君主立憲制
唐宪宗Emperor Xianzong of Tang (778-820), reign name of twelfth Tang emperor Li Chun 李純|李纯[LǐChún] reigned 805-820唐憲宗
五权宪法Sun Yat-sen's Five-power constitution of Republic of China, then of Taiwan五權憲法
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 宪法 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 宪
In legal discussions, 宪 is often paired with other terms like 宪法 to refer specifically to constitutional law, highlighting its importance in the legal framework.
While 宪 is primarily used in formal contexts, understanding it can help you engage in discussions about governance or law, although it may not come up in casual conversations.
宪法 (xiànfǎ) refers specifically to the constitution, while 法律 (fǎlǜ) is a more general term for laws or statutes.
