1. Kanji Breakdown: 法
This kanji represents a fundamental concept governing order, rules, and methods.
Meaning: Law, rule, method, way, principle. It refers to both legal statutes and general methods or principles.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ホウ (hou), ハッ (ha')
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): のり (nori)
The kanji is a compound ideograph (会意文字). Its original form combined:
Left (氵): The "water" radical (さんずい).
Right (去): Meaning "to go away," "to remove."
The original concept was that of "water (氵) that flows away (去) and finds its level." Water naturally follows the path of least resistance and always seeks to level itself, representing a natural, impartial, and universal principle. This evolved to mean human-made laws and methods that should be equally impartial and universal.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "法" has 8 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 8
Start with the left radical "氵" (water radical):
Then, write the right part "去":
Key Writing Tips:
Write from left to right, top to bottom.
The left radical "氵" is narrow. The three dots should not be aligned vertically.
The right part "去" is wider. Pay attention to the top "土" component and the bottom "ム" component.
The overall character should be balanced and stable.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "法" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
法律 (ほうりつ, houritsu)
Meaning: Law, statute.
Example: 法律を守ることは国民の義務だ。
Romaji: Houritsu o mamoru koto wa kokumin no gimu da.
English: Obeying the law is a citizen's duty.
方法 (ほうほう, houhou)
Meaning: Method, way, manner.
Example: 問題を解決する方法を考えよう。
Romaji: Mondai o kaiketsu suru houhou o kangaeyou.
English: Let's think of a method to solve the problem.
文法 (ぶんぽう, bunpou)
Meaning: Grammar.
Example: 日本語の文法は難しい。
Romaji: Nihongo no bunpou wa muzukashii.
English: Japanese grammar is difficult.
法則 (ほうそく, housoku)
Meaning: Law, rule (especially scientific or natural law).
Example: 万有引力の法則を発見した。
Romaji: Ban'yū inryoku no housoku o hakken shita.
English: He discovered the law of universal gravitation.
魔法 (まほう, mahou)
Meaning: Magic, sorcery.
Example: この物語には魔法が登場する。
Romaji: Kono monogatari ni wa mahou ga tōjō suru.
English: Magic appears in this story.
違法 (いほう, ihou)
Meaning: Illegal, unlawful.
Example: ここに駐車するのは違法です。
Romaji: Koko ni chūsha suru no wa ihou desu.
English: Parking here is illegal.
Summary
Kanji: 法
Core Meaning: Law, Rule, Method, Principle.
Readings: On'yomi ホウ (hou), Kun'yomi のり (nori)
Stroke Order: 8 strokes. Remember it's composed of 氵 (water) and 去 (to go away). Practice writing it step-by-step to master its form.
This kanji is essential for discussing legal matters, methods, and systematic principles. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this fundamental character.