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.
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.
Japanese laws are complex.
A new law was enacted.
A more formal or abstract term for 'law', often used in compound words or legal contexts.
equality under the law
Refers to laws and ordinances collectively, often used in official or legal documents.
Please comply with relevant laws and regulations.
Refers to laws and regulations, often emphasizing the written statutes. Used in technical or legal contexts.
You must follow building laws and regulations.
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.
You must follow the school rules.
Loanword from English, commonly used for rules in games, sports, or informal contexts.
Refers to rules or conventions, often implying something decided upon within a group. More colloquial than 規則.
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.
If you break the law, you will be punished.
the law of supply and demand
Let's follow traffic rules.
He studies law at university.
Here 'law' refers to the academic subject, so 法律 is appropriate.
The laws of physics are universal.
It follows the laws of nature.
the basic laws of physics
Please explain the rules of the game.
Our class has various rules.