法律を守る
obey the law
Littéralement: Law (法律) [object marker] (を) protect/observe (守る)
Use this phrase to describe the civic duty of following government laws and regulations.
En 15 secondes
- Follows the official rules set by the government.
- Combines 'law' (hōritsu) and 'protect/obey' (mamoru).
- Essential for discussing civic duties and social responsibility.
Signification
It means following the official rules and regulations set by the government. Think of it as being a law-abiding citizen who does the right thing.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing civic duty
国民は法律を守らなければなりません。
Citizens must obey the law.
Giving advice to a friend
日本にいる間は、法律を守ってね。
While you are in Japan, please obey the law.
A business compliance meeting
我が社は常に法律を守っています。
Our company always obeys the law.
Contexte culturel
In Japan, there is a strong cultural emphasis on 'social order' and 'harmony' (wa). Obeying the law is often seen not just as a legal requirement, but as a moral duty to maintain a peaceful society. This collective mindset contributes to Japan's low crime rates and high level of public safety.
The 'Protect' Connection
The verb `mamoru` also means 'to protect.' When you obey the law, you are linguistically 'protecting' the order of society.
Law vs. Rules
Only use `hōritsu` for actual government laws. For sports, games, or office etiquette, use `rūru` (rules) or `manā` (manners).
En 15 secondes
- Follows the official rules set by the government.
- Combines 'law' (hōritsu) and 'protect/obey' (mamoru).
- Essential for discussing civic duties and social responsibility.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for "obeying the law." It combines hōritsu (law) and mamoru (to protect or keep). It is about being a responsible member of society. Think of it as the opposite of "breaking the law." It sounds a bit serious but very natural in conversation. When you use this, you are talking about the legal framework of a country.
How To Use It
You use it just like a standard verb phrase. The particle o links the law to the action of following it. You can use it in the present, past, or continuous tense. mamotte kudasai is a polite way to ask someone to follow the rules. mamoru beki da means "one should obey." It is a solid, reliable collocation for any conversation about society or rules.
When To Use It
Use it when talking about civic duties or legal rights. It is perfect for news, school, or legal contexts. You might hear it at a driving school or in a government office. Use it when explaining rules to someone new to the country. It is great for discussing what makes a good citizen. Even in casual chats about "doing the right thing," it fits perfectly.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small, personal house rules. If your friend has a "no shoes" rule, use rūru instead. If you are playing a board game, use kisoku or rūru. hōritsu is strictly for government-level laws. Using it for a board game sounds like a joke. Unless you are a very intense Monopoly player! Keep it for the big stuff like traffic laws or taxes.
Cultural Background
In Japan, following the law is tied to wa (harmony). It is not just about avoiding a fine or jail time. It is about showing respect for the community and the people around you. People take pride in being orderly and reliable. This phrase carries a sense of social responsibility. It is the foundation of a safe, functioning society that many people in Japan value deeply.
Common Variations
You will often see hōritsu o junshu suru in business documents. That is the extra-fancy version for "compliance." mamoranai means you are breaking the law. mamoraseru means "to make someone obey." hōritsu o mamoru hito is a "law-abiding person." Keep it simple with mamoru for most everyday situations and you will sound great.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is neutral and can be used in almost any context. However, for specific regulations that aren't 'laws' (like company policy), use `kisoku` or `rūru` instead.
The 'Protect' Connection
The verb `mamoru` also means 'to protect.' When you obey the law, you are linguistically 'protecting' the order of society.
Law vs. Rules
Only use `hōritsu` for actual government laws. For sports, games, or office etiquette, use `rūru` (rules) or `manā` (manners).
The Unwritten Law
In Japan, 'unwritten rules' (kuuki o yomu) are sometimes just as important as `hōritsu`. Obeying the vibe is a real skill!
Exemples
6国民は法律を守らなければなりません。
Citizens must obey the law.
A standard, neutral statement about social responsibility.
日本にいる間は、法律を守ってね。
While you are in Japan, please obey the law.
Using the 'te' form makes it a friendly piece of advice.
我が社は常に法律を守っています。
Our company always obeys the law.
Commonly used in professional settings to show integrity.
法律を守るのは大変だね。
It's tough obeying the law, isn't it?
A slightly sarcastic or lighthearted comment between friends.
私の猫は重力の法律を守りません。
My cat doesn't obey the law of gravity.
Using the phrase in a playful, non-literal way.
彼は正直で、いつも法律を守る人です。
He is honest and someone who always obeys the law.
Used to describe someone's upright character.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to say 'We must obey the law.'
私たちは法律を___。
The phrase 'mamoranakereba narimasen' expresses obligation (must).
Choose the correct particle to link 'law' and 'obey'.
法律___守る。
The particle 'o' is used to mark the direct object of the verb 'mamoru'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Obeying the Law'
Talking about game rules or house rules.
ルールを守って！
Standard way to talk about legal obedience.
法律を守る
Legal or corporate compliance terminology.
法令を遵守する
When to say 'Hōritsu o mamoru'
Driving School
Traffic laws
Tax Office
Paying taxes correctly
School Civics Class
Learning about society
Business Contract
Legal compliance
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsHōritsu means 'law' in the legal sense, referring to statutes passed by a government.
No, mamoru also means 'to protect' or 'to guard.' In this context, it means to observe or keep the law.
It is better to use kōsoku (school rules) or rūru. Hōritsu is too heavy for school.
It is neutral. To make it polite, say hōritsu o mamorimasu or hōritsu o mamotte kudasai.
You can say hōritsu o yaburu or the more formal hōritsu ni ihan suru.
Yes, in business, people use junshu (遵守). For example, hōrei junshu means legal compliance.
Yes, it is common to teach children hōritsu o mamoru as part of their social education.
No, this is a standard Japanese expression used throughout the country.
A common mistake is using the particle ni instead of を. It should always be hōritsu o mamoru.
Yes! Yakusoku o mamoru means 'to keep a promise.' It uses the same logic of 'upholding' something.
Very often! You will hear it whenever the media discusses crime, justice, or new regulations.
Yes, though it might sound a bit serious unless you are joking or discussing a serious topic.
Expressions liées
ルールを守る
follow the rules
法律を破る
break the law
約束を守る
keep a promise
法令遵守
compliance (legal/corporate)
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