How to say "statute" in Japanese

• 法令ほうれいCommon
  nounThe general word for statutes: it covers laws, acts and ordinances enacted by a legislature or other public authority. As the common word, it is the default choice for 'statute' in most contexts.
  その日ひは国会こっかいの法令ほうれいによって祝日しゅくじつになった。↗

  That day was made a holiday by an act of the diet.
• 例規れいき
  nounA less common word for an established rule; in practice it refers chiefly to regulations laid down by local authorities, so it is seldom the word you want for 'statute' — use 法令 instead.

For 'statute' in the general sense of a law, act or ordinance, 法令 is the common word and usual choice; 例規, a less common word for established rules, chiefly local regulations, is seldom the word you want for 'statute'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 法令ほうれいstatute
• 例規れいきestablished rule