Meanings of 合法
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AI study notes for 合法
合法 (héfǎ) vs 正当 (zhèngdàng) — use 合法 for legal compliance, while 正当 emphasizes legitimacy or justification.
Learners often confuse 合法 with 非法 (fēifǎ), which means illegal. Remember that 合法 is used in formal contexts, especially in legal discussions, so it’s important to use it appropriately. Be mindful of the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning entirely.
As an HSK 5 word, 合法 connects well with other legal terms and vocabulary related to rights and regulations. Students should focus on understanding its usage in legal contexts and practice forming sentences that demonstrate its meaning.
A common mistake is to use 合法 inappropriately in informal situations, such as saying '这是合法的' (zhè shì héfǎ de) when discussing casual activities. Instead, use simpler terms like '可以' (kěyǐ) for 'can' or 'allowed.'
Pronunciation of 合法
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Learning Lab
Knowing 合法 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Component characters
How to say lawful in Chinese
“lawful” in Chinese is合法
The term 合法 (héfǎ) refers to something that is lawful or legal, conforming to the laws and regulations of a particular jurisdiction. It is commonly used in legal contexts, such as discussing rights, contracts, or regulations, to indicate that an action or status is sanctioned by law.
When to use 合法
Learners often confuse 合法 with 非法 (fēifǎ), which means illegal. Remember that 合法 is used in formal contexts, especially in legal discussions, so it’s important to use it appropriately. Be mindful of the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning entirely.
合法 or something close to it
合法 (héfǎ) vs 正当 (zhèngdàng) — use 合法 for legal compliance, while 正当 emphasizes legitimacy or justification.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is to use 合法 inappropriately in informal situations, such as saying '这是合法的' (zhè shì héfǎ de) when discussing casual activities. Instead, use simpler terms like '可以' (kěyǐ) for 'can' or 'allowed.'
Write 合法
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Practice writing 合法 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 合法
合法 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
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既然出售香烟是____的，那么禁止做香烟广告就是违宪的。
Banning cigarette advertising would be unconstitutional, since selling cigarettes is legal.
Example sentences for 合法 (8)
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Frequently asked questions about 合法
合法 means legal or lawful, while 非法 means illegal or unlawful. They are opposites and are often used in discussions about regulations.
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