faat3 kwai1法規法规
Jyutpingfaat3 kwai1
Yalefaat kwāi
Definition
Laws, rules, and regulations; a rule established with a legal basis.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to formal regulations or sets of rules often found in institutional or governmental contexts. While understood by all speakers, it carries a formal tone that is less common in casual, everyday conversation compared to terms like 規矩 or 條例. It is frequently encountered in news reports or professional settings rather than when discussing personal house rules or social norms.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
This regulation doesn't seem very reasonable.
Do you know where I can look up this regulation?
Related words
Common phrases
comply with regulations
violate regulations
Common mistake
Learners often use this interchangeably with 規矩, but 規矩 is much broader and can apply to informal social expectations or family habits. Using 法規 to describe a simple household rule sounds overly stiff and unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
