違法

• Reading: いほう
• Romaji: ihou
• Kanji breakdown: 違 (i) — differ, violate; 法 (hou) — law, method
• Pronunciation: /i.hoː/

Meaning

Illegal; illicit; unlawful. Contrary to established law.

A na-adjective and noun referring to actions or states that violate the law. Commonly seen in compounds like 違法行為 (illegal act), 違法駐車 (illegal parking), and 違法ダウンロード (illegal downloading). The opposite is 合法 (legal). Frequently used in news, legal contexts, and everyday conversation about rules.

Examples

1. 違法駐車をすると罰金を取られる。 You'll be fined if you park illegally.
2. その行為は違法だと裁判所が判断した。 The court ruled that the act was illegal.
3. 違法なダウンロードは著作権の侵害になる。 Illegal downloading constitutes copyright infringement.

Usage Guide

Context: law, news, regulations, daily life

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 違 (i, differ/violate) + 法 (hou, law/method). Literally 'violating the law' — deviating from what the law prescribes.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal