依法
How to Understand
依法 means 'according to law' or 'in accordance with legal provisions.' It emphasizes compliance with legal frameworks and is often used in formal or official contexts to indicate that actions are taken within the bounds of the law.
The character 依 (yī) means 'to rely on' or 'according to,' while 法 (fǎ) means 'law' or 'method.' Together, they form a phrase that conveys adherence to legal standards, making it a key term in legal and governmental discourse.
依法 is commonly used in legal documents, official statements, and everyday conversations involving legal procedures. It reflects China's emphasis on rule of law and is essential for understanding how legal systems function in Chinese society. Related expressions include 依法办事 (yī fǎ bàn shì), meaning 'to handle matters according to law,' and 依法制裁 (yī fǎ zhì cái), meaning 'to punish according to law.'