法則・方則|ほうそくhousoku[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounlaw; rule
   あらゆるものは自然しぜんの法則ほうそくを受うけている。↗

   Everything is subject to the laws of nature.

• Synonym規則きそくNeutralMan-made rules such as 「交通規則」 that can be broken; 法則 refers mainly to objective laws, though it can also mean rules to be observed.
• SynonymルールNeutralA loanword for rules, as in 「ルールを守る」; it is the usual choice in colloquial speech.
• Synonym法ほうWrittenA written, formal word for laws and rules, with an archaic, classical flavor.
• Related規律きりつNeutralDiscipline and order in group life, as in 「規律正しい」; it stresses restraining people's behavior, while 法則 is mostly about laws that hold between things.
• Related定めさだめNeutralCovers provisions and decisions, and also fate, as in 「定めに従う」; only in the fate sense does it carry a fatalistic nuance.
• Related掟おきてNeutralThe internal rules or precepts of a particular group, as in 「村の掟」; it carries a traditional flavor.
• Related規定きていNeutralStipulated provisions, as in 「規定に従う」; used mainly for written regulations and rules.
• Related法令ほうれいNeutralLaws and ordinances, as in 「法令遵守」; it belongs to the legal domain.
• Related条例じょうれいNeutralLocal ordinances enacted by local governments; bylaws rather than laws of nature.
• Related規程きていNeutralInternal regulations of an organization, as in 「就業規程」; used mostly in companies.
• Related会則かいそくNeutralThe rules or constitution of a society or club, as in 「会則を守る」; used for associations and clubs.
• Related原則げんそくNeutralA basic principle or policy, as in 「原則として禁止」; it allows exceptions, unlike a law that always holds.
• Related法のりWrittenA written, formal word for laws and rules, with an archaic, classical flavor.
• Related準則じゅんそくWrittenA formal written word for standards to follow, used mostly in legal documents.

Use 「法則」 for laws that necessarily hold between things, as in 「万有引力の法則」, and for rules that should be observed. For man-made rules pick 「規則」 or 「ルール」, for discipline 「規律」, for basic policy 「原則」, for group precepts 「掟」.

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

1. 一定いっていの条件じょうけんのもとで常つねに成り立なりたつと考かんがえられる事物じぶつ相互そうごの関係かんけい。
2. 守まもるべき決きまり。