fǎ lǜ
law
法律规定，公民有言论自由的权利。
fǎlǜ guīdìng, gōngmín yǒu yánlùn zìyóu de quánlì.
The law stipulates that citizens have the right to freedom of speech.
违反法律的人将受到惩罚。
wéifǎn fǎlǜ de rén jiāng shòudào chéngfá.
Those who violate the law will be punished.
法律是维护社会秩序的保障。
fǎlǜ shì wéihù shèhuì zhìxù de bǎozhàng.
The law is the guarantee of maintaining social order.
法 (fǎ)
law
律法 (lǜfǎ)
law
非法 (fěifǎ)
illegal
违法 (wéifǎ)
unlawful
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The Chinese word 法律 (fǎlǜ) for "law" is composed of two characters: 法 (fǎ) and 律 (lǜ). The character 法 originally meant "model" or "pattern," and was often used in the context of religious or moral teachings. Over time, it came to be used more broadly to refer to any kind of rule or regulation, including laws. The character 律 originally meant "musical note" or "pitch," and was often used in the context of music theory. However, it also came to be used more broadly to refer to any kind of standard or principle. When the two characters are combined, they form the word 法律, which specifically refers to laws and regulations.
