Meaning
The kanji 法 (ほう) primarily means “law,” “method,” or “rule.” It's a foundational character in Japanese, appearing in many everyday words related to legal systems, procedures, and ways of doing things. At its heart, it represents established principles or standards that guide actions and decisions. In a broader sense, especially in Buddhist contexts, it can also refer to “dharma,” signifying cosmic law or truth.
Structurally, 法 is a phono-semantic compound. This means it combines a semantic part, giving a clue to its general meaning, and a phonetic part, hinting at its pronunciation. The left-hand radical is 氵 (さんずい, sanzui), the water radical, often linked to fluidity, purification, or setting a standard. The right-hand component is 去 (きょ, kyo), meaning “to go” or “to leave.”
Historically, the water radical is said to symbolize the mythical creature 獬豸 (かいち, kaichi). This creature was believed to judge right and wrong, pushing the guilty into water. Thus, the water element, combined with the idea of things 'going' or being 'judged' by a standard, forms the meaning of 'law' or 'method.' Visually, the character suggests a standard or rule by which society operates, much like water flows along a defined path.
This kanji has 8 strokes and is taught to 4th graders in Japanese elementary school. This makes it a common and early-learned character, essential for understanding daily Japanese.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi for 法 is ホウ (HOU). You'll find this reading in most compounds using this kanji, especially those related to law, methods, and Buddhist terms. When 法 appears in a compound, it's almost always pronounced ホウ, offering a stable and consistent reading.
- 法律 (houritsu) — law, legislation. This is a very common word, referring directly to legal statutes.
- 方法 (houhou) — method, way, means. This describes a particular approach to achieve something.
- 文法 (bunpou) — grammar. These are the rules governing a language's structure.
- 憲法 (kenpou) — constitution. The fundamental principles by which a state is governed.
- 合法 (gouhou) — legal, lawful. Something that aligns with the law.
Less commonly, 法 can also take the on'yomi ハッ (HATSU) or ホッ (HOTSU). These readings appear mainly in older or very specific compounds, often in Buddhist terms or idiomatic expressions.
- 仏法 (buppou) — Buddhist law, Buddhism.
- 法度 (hatto) — law, regulation. This is an older term, often referring to edicts from feudal times.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main kun'yomi for 法 is のり (nori). This reading is far less common in modern Japanese than its on'yomi, especially as a standalone word. When it does appear, it usually implies a rule, a precedent, or a standard to follow, often carrying an archaic or formal nuance.
- 法る (noru) — While the verb のる is more commonly written as 則る (のっとる), 法る (のる) historically meant to conform to or follow a rule. Its usage is very rare today.
- 法り (nori) — Law, rule, or custom. This noun form is typically found in classical texts or specific idiomatic expressions, referring to a prescribed way or custom. It's not often encountered in daily conversation.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 法 appears in many essential Japanese words. Learning these compounds will deepen your understanding of legal, procedural, and even philosophical concepts.
- Law & Justice:
- 法律 (houritsu) — Law; legislation.
- 司法 (shihou) — Administration of justice.
- 憲法 (kenpou) — Constitution.
- 合法 (gouhou) — Legal; lawful.
- 違法 (ihou) — Illegal; unlawful.
- **Methods & Ways:
- 方法 (houhou) — Method; way; means.
- 手法 (shuhou) — Technique; method of work.
- 作法 (sahou) — Manners; etiquette; courtesy.
- 用法 (youhou) — Directions; rules for use; usage.
- Grammar & Language:**
- 文法 (bunpou) — Grammar.
- Buddhism & Philosophy:
- 仏法 (buppou) — Buddhist law; Buddhism.
- 法事 (houji) — Buddhist memorial service.
- Other Important Terms:
- 法則 (housoku) — Law; rule; principle.
- 法案 (houan) — Bill (e.g., in parliament).
- 立法 (rippou) — Legislation; enactment of laws.
Example Sentences
この国には厳しい法律があります。
Kono kuni ni wa kibishii houritsu ga arimasu.
This country has strict laws.
その問題を解決する方法を考えましょう。
Sono mondai o kaiketsu suru houhou o kangaemashou.
Let's think of a method to solve that problem.
日本語の文法は難しいです。
Nihongo no bunpou wa muzukashii desu.
Japanese grammar is difficult.
その行為は法律に反する違法なものです。
Sono koui wa houritsu ni hansuru ihou na mono desu.
That act is illegal and against the law.
彼は新しい勉強の方法を見つけました。
Kare wa atarashii benkyou no houhou o mitsukemashita.
He found a new study method.
これは自然の法則です。
Kore wa shizen no housoku desu.
This is a law of nature.
憲法は国民の権利を守ります。
Kenpou wa kokumin no kenri o mamorimasu.
The constitution protects the rights of citizens.
適切な作法を守ることが大切です。
Tekisetsu na sahou o mamoru koto ga taisetsu desu.
It is important to observe proper manners.
Memory Tip
To remember 法, think of its two main parts. The left side is the water radical (氵), representing a flowing standard or a clear path. The right side is 去 (to go, to leave), suggesting that things 'go' or proceed according to this standard.
Imagine a flowing river (氵) where all boats must 'go' (去) in a certain way, following the 'laws' of the current or the 'method' of navigation. Another way to think about it: in ancient times, judgments were sometimes made near water. The guilty were made to 'leave' (去) by being pushed into it, establishing a 'law' through this action. This visual connection helps illustrate rules, methods, or laws that dictate how things proceed.