法律
hōritsu[ho̞ːɾʲit͡sɨ]
The Japanese word for "law" is 法律 (hōritsu).
法律 refers specifically to statutory law, which includes legislation enacted by a government and passed by a legislative body. To express that an action is illegal or a violation of the law, you can use the term 法律違反.
Meaning: any rule that must or should be obeyed (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 法律 refers to formal statutory laws passed by a government, the word 規則 is used for rules, regulations or bylaws within an organization or school. Additionally, the character 法 can refer to law in a more general sense, encompassing various regulations and legal principles.
How do you pronounce it?
hōritsu
Did you know?
- The term 法外 is used to describe prices that are 'outrageously expensive'. Literally, it means 'outside the law', implying the price is so high it should be illegal.
- The character 律 in 法律 also means 'rhythm' or 'discipline', similar to how 'melody' and 'rhythm' function in music. This implies that laws are not just rules, but a structured, rhythmic order within society.
- While 法律 is the standard term for statutory law, if you are talking about the 'rule of law' in a philosophical or cosmic sense, you might encounter the term 法 used in Buddhist contexts. In this setting, it refers to the 'Dharma', or the universal truths that govern existence.
Examples in context
- 法律は法律です。The law is the law.This sentence illustrates the phrase 法律.Tatoeba #10624198 by small_snow, translation #1666014 by Spamster
- 法律が改正された。The law was changed.This sentence is useful for showing how 法律 can be subject to change.Tatoeba #82674 by bunbuku, translation #321042 by CK
- それは法律違反です。That's against the law.This sentence uses 法律 to describe something that is against the law.Tatoeba #204869 by bunbuku, translation #42111 by CK
- 法律 の重要性について話しましょう。Let's talk about the importance of law.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are discussing Kenta's career goals.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんは将来、法律に関わる仕事をしたいですか？Kenta-san wa shōrai, hōritsu ni kakawaru shigoto o shitai desu ka?Kenta, do you want to do work related to the law in the future?
- 健太 Kentaはい、法律を勉強して弁護士になりたいです。Hai, hōritsu o benkyō shite bengoshi ni naritai desu.Yes, I want to study law and become a lawyer.
- 美咲 Misakiそれは素晴らしい目標ですね！Sore wa subarashii mokuhyō desu ne!That is a wonderful goal!
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます、頑張ります。Arigatō gozaimasu, ganbarimasu.Thank you, I will do my best.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 法律, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
