法

• Reading: ほう
• Romaji: hou
• Kanji breakdown: 法 (hou) — law, method, way; composed of 氵 (water) + 去 (to go)
• Pronunciation: /hoː/

Meaning

Law; act; method. As a suffix, it forms the names of specific laws and acts.

A noun and suffix with several important uses. As a suffix, 法 appears in the names of specific laws: 刑法 (criminal law), 民法 (civil law), and 商法 (commercial law). As a standalone noun, it can mean method or way, as in 方法 (method). It is a fundamental building block of legal vocabulary and is essential for reading about Japanese law and governance.

Examples

1. 日本の刑法は明治時代に作られた。 Japan's criminal law was created during the Meiji era.
2. この法に違反すると罰金が科される。 Violating this law will result in a fine.
3. 新しい法が来年施行される予定だ。 A new law is scheduled to take effect next year.

Usage Guide

Context: law, politics, academia

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 法 combines 氵 (water radical) and 去 (to go, to leave). The original meaning related to water flowing in a set channel, which evolved into the concept of established rules and methods.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal