论证
lùn zhèng · HSK 7
to demonstrate or prove
⚖️ 论 (discuss/argue) + 证 (prove/evidence) = argue + prove = to demonstrate a point
论 is to discuss or argue; 证 is proof or evidence. Together they mean building a case through reasoning. Pronounced lùn zhèng, the second syllable shares the zheng of 证明 (to prove).
证 — speech radical 讠 + 正 (correct/upright)
证 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The speech radical 讠 (言) signals it relates to words or testimony, while 正 (zhèng, 'upright/correct') gives the sound and hints at 'verifying truth.' Originally written 證, it meant to testify or prove; today it means evidence, certificate, or to prove.