ji1 faat3依法
Jyutpingji1 faat3
Yaleyī faat
Definition
In accordance with the law; legally.
writtenworkother
How it's used
This term is primarily used in formal, administrative, or legal contexts rather than casual conversation. It carries a sense of official legitimacy and strict adherence to established regulations. You will most frequently encounter it in news reports or official government statements.
Examples
The government must act in accordance with the law.
Is this matter being handled according to the law?
Related words
Common phrases
to act in accordance with the law
to handle according to the law
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 照規矩, which is a much more casual way to say follow the rules or follow procedure. Using 依法 in a casual setting, such as talking about house rules or social etiquette, sounds overly stiff and unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
