Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Law" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "law", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
法律
ほうりつ (houritsu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
限界効用逓減の法則
げんかいこうようていげんのほうそく (genkai kouyou teigen no housoku)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "law" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 法律 and 限界効用逓減の法則.
In Japanese, 法律 (ほうりつ (houritsu)) is typically associated with "law" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to official laws established by a government. More formal and binding than 規則.
On the other hand, 限界効用逓減の法則 (げんかいこうようていげんのほうそく (genkai kouyou teigen no housoku)) maps to "law of diminishing marginal utility" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "law" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "法律"
日本では20歳から飲酒が法律で許可されています。
In Japan, drinking alcohol is permitted by law from age 20.
Bilingual Context for "限界効用逓減の法則"
私は限界効用逓減の法則に興味があります。
I am interested in law of diminishing marginal utility.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "日本では20歳から飲酒が ＿＿＿ で許可されています。" (Meaning: "In Japan, drinking alcohol is permitted by law from age 20.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "法律" fits here because it means "law" in the context of: "In Japan, drinking alcohol is permitted by law from age 20.". "限界効用逓減の法則" represents "law of diminishing marginal utility".