Translation guide
The English word "law" covers several distinct concepts: a rule made by a government, the legal system as a whole, a scientific principle, and a rule within an organization or activity. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
The most common meaning: a specific statute or regulation enacted by a legislative body.
The general term for a law or statute. It can refer to a specific law or the body of laws.
新しい法律ができた。
A new law was enacted.
それは法律違反です。
That's against the law.
Often used in compound words or formal names of laws, e.g., 民法 (civil law), 刑法 (criminal law). Can sound more formal or technical than 法律.
この法は来年施行される。
This law will come into effect next year.
Refers to laws and ordinances collectively; often used in official contexts.
Referring to the field of law, the justice system, or the legal profession.
A statement of fact, deduced from observation, that always occurs under certain conditions (e.g., law of gravity).
A regulation or principle governing conduct within a specific context (e.g., rules of a sport, a moral law).
The most common word for rules in games, sports, or organizations. Often used instead of 法律 for non-governmental rules.
Slang or colloquial reference to law enforcement officers.
法律 (ほうりつ) is for government-enacted laws. 法則 (ほうそく) is for scientific laws or natural principles. ルール is for rules in games, sports, or informal contexts. Using 法律 for a game rule sounds overly formal and strange.
サッカーの法律は複雑だ。
The laws of soccer are complicated. (unnatural)
サッカーのルールは複雑だ。
The rules of soccer are complicated. (natural)
English uses "law" for both legal and scientific contexts, but Japanese distinguishes them. 法律 is only for legal matters. For scientific laws, use 法則.
関連法令を遵守してください。
Please comply with relevant laws and regulations.
Can also mean the legal system or the study of law. 法律を勉強する (study law).
彼は法律を勉強している。
He is studying law.
Specifically the academic study of law (jurisprudence).
法学部に入りたい。
I want to enter the law department.
The legal profession; lawyers, judges, prosecutors collectively.
法曹界で働く。
Work in the legal profession.
Used for scientific laws, mathematical rules, or natural principles.
ニュートンの運動の法則
Newton's laws of motion
需要と供給の法則
the law of supply and demand
Principle or fundamental law, often used in physics or philosophy.
アルキメデスの原理
Archimedes' principle
サッカーのルールを知っていますか。
Do you know the rules of soccer?
会社のルールに従ってください。
Please follow the company rules.
Regulations or rules, often written and formal, for an organization or institution.
学校の規則を守る。
Follow the school rules.
A rule, convention, or established practice; can be informal.
ここではそういう決まりになっています。
That's the rule here.
The standard word for police. In English slang, "the law" can mean the police, but in Japanese, 警察 is used directly.
警察が来た！
The law is here! (The police have come!)
Colloquial, friendly term for a police officer (policeman). Not a direct translation of "law" but used in similar informal contexts.
お巡りさんに道を聞いた。
I asked the law for directions.
the law of gravity (incorrect)
重力の法則
the law of gravity (correct)
重力の法律
the law of gravity (incorrect)
重力の法則
the law of gravity (correct)