Japanese word

法

Pronunciation

Romajihō

Meaning

  • nounlaw

Example

私たちは法を守ります。watashi ta chi wa hō o mamo ri ma su

We obey the law.

Illustration for 法 (law)

More examples

国によって法が異なります。kuni ni yo tte hō ga koto na ri ma su

Laws differ from country to country.

Core concept

Describes a rule established to keep society orderly and guide what people may or may not do.

Common phrases

  • 法を守るhō o mamo ru

    obey the law

  • 法に従うhō ni shitaga u

    follow the law

Similar words

法律hōritsu: A written rule passed by a legislature and enforced throughout a society.
ルールrūru: A rule accepted or set for people in a group or activity.
規則kisoku: A set of rules that controls conduct in an organization or activity.
法令hōrei: A law or regulation formally issued by a government body.

Definition in Japanese

社会の秩序を保つために定められた決まり。sha kai no chitsu jo o tamo tsu ta me ni sada me ra re ta ki ma ri

Word origin

As a Sino-Japanese word, 法 (hō, "law; rule") uses a Chinese character whose original sense is a standard or rule.

Usage tips

  • In Buddhist vocabulary, 法 (hō, "teaching; principle") refers to a teaching or principle, so surrounding words distinguish this sense from a civil law.

Related words

Word lists with this word