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March 24, 2026
法律fǎ(fa3lü4)
法律 (fǎ lǜ) refers to the system of rules that are created and enforced through social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior. It is commonly used in discussions about justice, rights, and governance, reflecting the framework within which society operates. The term encompasses both written laws and the principles that guide them.
Frequency#992DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The concept of '法律' is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, especially with the historical emphasis on Confucian values that prioritize social harmony and order. Modern Chinese law draws from both traditional practices and contemporary legal frameworks, reflecting the country’s evolving governance.
Memory Tip
Imagine '法' (fǎ) as a person holding a large '律' (lǜ) book of rules. The '法' character looks like a ruler (法), and '律' sounds like 'lu' in 'rule,' reminding you that this book contains the laws that govern society. Picture this person ensuring everyone follows the rules.
Meanings of 法律
fǎ(fa3lü4)
primary
1law
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About 法律
法律Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#992Frequency Rank
条Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 法律
Podcast: 法律
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AI Study Notes for 法律
Quick Contrast
法规 (fǎ guī) refers to regulations or rules that are more specific and often subordinate to laws, while 法律 (fǎ lǜ) refers to the broader legal system or laws themselves.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine '法' (fǎ) as a person holding a large '律' (lǜ) book of rules. The '法' character looks like a ruler (法), and '律' sounds like 'lu' in 'rule,' reminding you that this book contains the laws that govern society. Picture this person ensuring everyone follows the rules.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use '法律'; it is more formal than alternatives like '规矩' (guī ju) which means 'rules'. Common collocations include '法律问题' (fǎ lǜ wèn tí - legal issues) and '法律援助' (fǎ lǜ yuán zhù - legal aid). Ensure you use the correct tone, as mispronouncing '法' could lead to confusion with '发' (fā - to send).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, '法律' connects with other legal and social terms like '权利' (quán lì - rights) and '责任' (zé rèn - responsibility). Focus on using '法律' in sentences that discuss rights and obligations to strengthen your understanding of its contextual usage.
Cultural Note
The concept of '法律' is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, especially with the historical emphasis on Confucian values that prioritize social harmony and order. Modern Chinese law draws from both traditional practices and contemporary legal frameworks, reflecting the country’s evolving governance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '法律' with '法则' (fǎ zé - principles) or use it incorrectly in informal contexts. For example, saying '我遵循法则' (Wǒ zūn xún fǎ zé - I follow the law) is incorrect; it should be '我遵循法律' (Wǒ zūn xún fǎ lǜ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 法律
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Grammar Patterns of 法律
法律 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.
The new laws will be just as oppressive as those they replace.
Cultural Notes for 法律
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of '法律' is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, especially with the historical emphasis on Confucian values that prioritize social harmony and order. Modern Chinese law draws from both traditional practices and contemporary legal frameworks, reflecting the country’s evolving governance.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, law often emphasizes individual rights and freedoms, while in China, there is a stronger focus on societal harmony and collective responsibility in the legal context.
Frequently Asked Questions about 法律
法律 refers to formal laws enforced by the government, while 规矩 refers to informal rules or customs within a community.
You can say '我对法律不太了解' (Wǒ duì fǎ lǜ bù tài liǎo jiě) meaning 'I don't understand the law very well.'
Common collocations include '法律事务' (legal matters) and '法律规定' (legal provisions).
