依法

• Pinyin: yī fǎ
• Hanzi breakdown: 依 = 亻 (person) + 衣 (clothing), to rely on/according to; 法 = 氵 (water) + 去, law/method

Meaning

According to law; in accordance with the law. Indicates that an action is done legally or follows legal procedures.

A formal adverb used in legal, governmental, and official contexts. Often appears in phrases like 依法治国 (rule by law), 依法行政 (administer according to law), 依法处理 (handle according to law). Emphasizes legality and proper procedure.

Examples

1. 违反交通规则的司机将被依法处罚。 Drivers who violate traffic rules will be punished according to law.
2. 公民的合法权益应该受到依法保护。 Citizens' legal rights should be protected by law.
3. 这家公司因为偷税漏税被依法查处。 This company was investigated and prosecuted according to law for tax evasion.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, government, official

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 这件事必须依法处理。(This matter must be handled according to law.)
• 依法纳税是公民的义务。(Paying taxes according to law is a citizen's duty.)

Don't Say

• 我依法吃饭 (依法 is for legal matters — don't use it for everyday actions)

Origin & History

Compound of 依 (according to, based on) and 法 (law). Literally 'based on law.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal