Definitions

(noun) law; method; way
(verb) to emulate; to follow
(noun) France

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Originally written as .

About

The character is a phonosemantic compound, combining the water radical (meaning) with the phonetic component (sound). The water radical symbolizes a level surface, representing fairness and impartiality. Its earlier form, , also included the mythical beast , which was believed to distinguish right from wrong; this element was later dropped, leaving only and . Over time, the meaning expanded from a standard of justice to encompass law, regulations, legal systems, as well as standard methods, principles, or ways of doing things.

Example Sentences Hide

这是一个好方

Zhè shì yī gè hǎo fāngfǎ.

This is a good method.

律保护人民。

Fǎlǜ bǎohù rénmín.

The law protects the people.

国是个美丽的国家。

Fǎguó shì gè měilì de guójiā.

France is a beautiful country.

官正在审理案件。

Fǎguān zhèngzài shěnlǐ ànjiàn.

The judge is hearing the case.

学习语很有必要。

Xuéxí yǔfǎ hěn yǒu bìyào.

Learning grammar is very necessary.

我们需要想办解决。

Wǒmen xūyào xiǎng bànfǎ jiějué.

We need to think of a way to solve it.

我们必须依办事。

Wǒmen bìxū yīfǎ bànshì.

We must act according to the law.

这种教学方很受学生欢迎。

Zhè zhǒng jiàoxué fāngfǎ hěn shòu xuéshēng huānyíng.

This teaching method is very popular among students.