noun HSK 4
law · legal · legislation
Meaning
法律 refers to the formal system of rules and regulations established by a government or authority to govern society. It encompasses written laws, statutes, and legal codes that citizens must follow. The term is used both for law as an abstract concept and for specific laws.
Usage
法律 is a formal term used in official, legal, and academic contexts. It's commonly paired with verbs like 遵守 (to obey), 违反 (to violate), or 制定 (to enact). Native speakers use it when discussing legal matters, rights, and obligations in a serious context.
Examples
- 01每个公民都应该遵守法律。.Every citizen should obey the law.
- 02他因为违反法律被警察逮捕了。.He was arrested by the police for breaking the law.
Characters
Measure words
- 部一部法律
- 条一条法律
Common collocations
- 法律制度legal system
- 遵守法律to obey the law
- 违反法律to violate the law
- 法律责任legal responsibility
Origin
Both characters relate to law and order. 法 originally depicted water flowing evenly, symbolizing fairness. 律 combines 彳 (stepping) and 聿 (writing brush), suggesting written rules to guide behavior.