法律 (fǎlǜ) — law, legislation
HSK 4 | n | a system of rules enforced by government
法律 (fǎlǜ)
法律 refers to law as a formal system of rules created and enforced by society or government. It covers both specific laws and the general concept of the legal system.
Meanings
- n law, legislation, the law
Example Sentences
每个公民都应该遵守法律。 Měi gè gōngmín dōu yīnggāi zūnshǒu fǎlǜ. Every citizen should abide by the law.
法律面前人人平等。 Fǎlǜ miànqián rénrén píngděng. Everyone is equal before the law.
这项行为违反了国家法律。 Zhè xiàng xíngwéi wéifǎn le guójiā fǎlǜ. This action violated national law.
他正在学习法律，希望将来成为律师。 Tā zhèngzài xuéxí fǎlǜ, xīwàng jiānglái chéngwéi lǜshī. He is studying law and hopes to become a lawyer in the future.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 遵守法律 (zūnshǒu fǎlǜ) | to abide by the law |
| 违反法律 (wéifǎn fǎlǜ) | to violate the law |
| 法律条文 (fǎlǜ tiáowén) | legal provisions |
| 法律责任 (fǎlǜ zérèn) | legal responsibility |
Usage Notes
法律 is a general term for law. 法规 (fǎguī) refers more specifically to regulations and rules, while 法律 covers the broader concept. In formal writing, 法制 (fǎzhì) refers to the legal system. 学法律 means "to study law" as a discipline.
Memory Hook
法 shows water (氵) flowing fairly — law channels society like water; 律 means "rule/discipline" — law is the rule of fairness.