Translation guide
The English word "law" covers several distinct concepts: a rule made by a government, the legal system as a whole, a scientific principle, and a rule within an organization or activity. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
The most common meaning: a specific statute or regulation enacted by a legislative body.
The general term for a law or statute. It can refer to a specific law or the body of laws.
A new law was enacted.
Often used in compound words or formal names of laws, e.g., 民法 (civil law), 刑法 (criminal law). Can sound more formal or technical than 法律.
Refers to laws and ordinances collectively; often used in official contexts.
Referring to the field of law, the justice system, or the legal profession.
A statement of fact, deduced from observation, that always occurs under certain conditions (e.g., law of gravity).
A regulation or principle governing conduct within a specific context (e.g., rules of a sport, a moral law).
The most common word for rules in games, sports, or organizations. Often used instead of 法律 for non-governmental rules.
Slang or colloquial reference to law enforcement officers.
The standard word for police. In English slang, "the law" can mean the police, but in Japanese, 警察 is used directly.
法律 (ほうりつ) is for government-enacted laws. 法則 (ほうそく) is for scientific laws or natural principles. ルール is for rules in games, sports, or informal contexts. Using 法律 for a game rule sounds overly formal and strange.
The laws of soccer are complicated. (unnatural)
That's against the law.
This law will come into effect next year.
関連法令を遵守してください。
Please comply with relevant laws and regulations.
Can also mean the legal system or the study of law. 法律を勉強する (study law).
He is studying law.
Specifically the academic study of law (jurisprudence).
I want to enter the law department.
The legal profession; lawyers, judges, prosecutors collectively.
Work in the legal profession.
Used for scientific laws, mathematical rules, or natural principles.
Newton's laws of motion
the law of supply and demand
Principle or fundamental law, often used in physics or philosophy.
Archimedes' principle
Do you know the rules of soccer?
Please follow the company rules.
Regulations or rules, often written and formal, for an organization or institution.
Follow the school rules.
A rule, convention, or established practice; can be informal.
That's the rule here.
The law is here! (The police have come!)
Colloquial, friendly term for a police officer (policeman). Not a direct translation of "law" but used in similar informal contexts.
I asked the law for directions.
サッカーのルールは複雑だ。
The rules of soccer are complicated. (natural)
English uses "law" for both legal and scientific contexts, but Japanese distinguishes them. 法律 is only for legal matters. For scientific laws, use 法則.