Translation guide
The English word "laws" can refer to legal statutes, scientific principles, or general rules. This guide focuses on helping learners express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Referring to laws enacted by a government or legislative body.
Referring to fundamental principles that describe natural phenomena, such as physics or mathematics.
Referring to rules set by an organization, game, or social context, not necessarily governmental.
General term for rules or regulations, such as school rules or company policies.
法律 (ほうりつ) is for legal statutes. 法則 (ほうそく) is for scientific laws or principles. 規則 (きそく) is for rules or regulations in organizations or daily life. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
法律を破ると罰せられる。
If you break the law, you will be punished.
需要と供給の法則
the law of supply and demand
交通規則を守りましょう。
Let's follow traffic rules.
彼は大学で法律を勉強しています。
He studies law at university.
Here 'law' refers to the academic subject, so 法律 is appropriate.
物理法則は普遍的です。
The laws of physics are universal.
The most common and general term for 'law' or 'laws' in the legal sense. Can refer to a specific law or the body of laws.
日本の法律は複雑です。
Japanese laws are complex.
新しい法律が施行された。
A new law was enacted.
A more formal or abstract term for 'law', often used in compound words or legal contexts.
法の下の平等
equality under the law
Refers to laws and ordinances collectively, often used in official or legal documents.
関連する法令を遵守してください。
Please comply with relevant laws and regulations.
Refers to laws and regulations, often emphasizing the written statutes. Used in technical or legal contexts.
建築法規に従う必要がある。
You must follow building laws and regulations.
Used for scientific laws, such as the law of gravity or mathematical laws.
ニュートンの運動の法則
Newton's laws of motion
自然の法則に従う。
It follows the laws of nature.
Often translated as 'principle', but can be used for fundamental laws in science, especially when emphasizing the underlying theory.
物理学の基本原理
the basic laws of physics
学校の規則を守らなければならない。
You must follow the school rules.
Loanword from English, commonly used for rules in games, sports, or informal contexts.
ゲームのルールを説明してください。
Please explain the rules of the game.
Refers to rules or conventions, often implying something decided upon within a group. More colloquial than 規則.
うちのクラスにはいろいろな決まりがある。
Our class has various rules.