1.
law; legislation
Legal rules and regulations established by a governing body. Used in formal and legal contexts.
法を守る。
To obey the law.
新しい法が来月施行される。
A new law will be enacted next month.
法の下に全ての国民は平等である。
All citizens are equal under the law.
2.
method; way; technique
A way of doing something, a method or technique. Very commonly used as a suffix meaning '-method' or '-way of doing'.
良い勉強法はありますか。
Is there a good study method?
使用法を読んでください。
Please read the instructions for use.
この料理の作り方には、いくつかの調理法がある。
There are several cooking methods for this dish.
USAGE:
As a standalone word, 法 typically refers to law in formal contexts. As a suffix, it attaches to nouns to mean "method of" or "way of."
COMMON LAW COMPOUNDS:
- 法律: law (the most common general word)
- 憲法: constitution
- 刑法: criminal law
- 民法: civil law
- 法案: legislative bill
COMMON METHOD COMPOUNDS:
- 方法: method, way
- 用法: usage, directions for use
- 文法: grammar
- 製法: manufacturing method
- 書法: calligraphy; writing style
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 法に触れる: to violate the law
- 法を犯す: to break the law
- 法の下に: under the law