合法
hé fǎ HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

这家公司是合法的。
Zhè jiā gōngsī shì héfǎ de.
This company is legal.
我们需要合法的文件。
Wǒmen xūyào héfǎ de wénjiàn.
We need legitimate documents.
他的工作是合法的。
Tā de gōngzuò shì héfǎ de.
His job is legal.
这是合法行为。
Zhè shì héfǎ xíngwéi.
This is legal behavior.
他有合法身份。
Tā yǒu héfǎ shēnfèn.
He has legal status.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 合 (hé) means 'to conform to' or 'join,' and 法 (fǎ) means 'law.' So, 合法 literally means 'conforming to the law.' Think: 'To be in harmony (合) with the law (法) is to be legal.'

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. It frequently appears in legal, business, administrative, and everyday contexts to discuss the legality of actions, documents, or statuses.

📖 Grammar Points

As an adjective, it can directly modify a noun (e.g., 合法交易 - legal transaction) or function as a predicate using 是...的 (e.g., 这个行为是合法的 - This action is legal). It can also be negated with 不 (不合法 - illegal).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In contemporary Chinese society, emphasizing that something is 合法 is crucial for establishing trust and authority in official, business, and public matters. It reflects the importance of operating within the legal framework.

🔄 Similar Words

合法 (lawful) focuses on compliance with the law. 合理 (hélǐ, reasonable) refers to being logical or fair, not necessarily legal. 正当 (zhèngdàng, proper/justified) implies correctness and morality, which often overlaps with but is broader than legality.

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