法的な

• Reading: ほうてきな
• Romaji: houteki na
• Kanji breakdown: 法 (hou) — law, method, rule; 的 (teki) — target, -like, pertaining to
• Pronunciation: /hoː.te.ki.na/

Meaning

Legal; pertaining to law. Describing something that relates to or is based on law.

A na-adjective meaning 'legal' or 'pertaining to law.' Formed by adding the productive suffix 的 (teki) to 法 (hou, law). Common collocations include 法的な根拠 (houteki na konkyo, legal basis), 法的な手続き (houteki na tetsuzuki, legal procedure), and 法的な責任 (houteki na sekinin, legal responsibility).

Examples

1. この契約には法的な拘束力がある。 This contract is legally binding.
2. 法的な手続きを踏んでから行動すべきだ。 You should follow the proper legal procedures before taking action.
3. 専門家に法的なアドバイスを求めた。 I sought legal advice from a specialist.

Usage Guide

Context: law, contracts, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Modern Japanese compound: 法 (hou, law) + 的 (teki, adjectival suffix meaning '-like' or 'pertaining to') + な (na, adjectival particle). Uses the highly productive Sino-Japanese suffix 的.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal