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A2 adjective 9 min read

법적이다

beopjeogida
Examples Notes & Tips 법적이다 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 법적이다 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use '법적이다' in complex ways. You should first understand the root word '법' (beop), which means 'law'. Think of '법적이다' as a way to say 'it is about the law'. At this stage, you might see it in simple signs or hear it in dramas. You can remember it as 'Law + ish'. Even though it's an A2 word, knowing that '법' means law helps you understand that anything starting with '법' has something to do with rules. You won't use this in daily greetings, but you might see it if you look at a contract or a formal notice. Just focus on recognizing that the '법' sound relates to rules and the state. If you see '법적', just think 'Law related'.
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At the A2 level, you should start using '법적이다' to describe things. You can use it to say 'This is a legal matter' (이것은 법적인 문제예요). You are learning how to combine nouns with '-적' to make adjectives. This is a very powerful pattern in Korean. You should practice the difference between '법' (noun) and '법적인' (modifier). For example, '법' is law, but '법적인 도움' is 'legal help'. You might use this when talking about your visa, your work contract, or rules in a classroom. It helps you sound more precise. Instead of just saying 'It is a rule', you can say 'It is a legal rule'. This shows you understand the difference between a social rule and a state law.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '법적이다' in its adverbial form, '법적으로'. This allows you to describe actions. For example, '법적으로 해결하고 싶어요' (I want to solve it legally). You will also start encountering it in more complex topics like '법적 책임' (legal responsibility) or '법적 권리' (legal rights). You should be able to explain why something is '법적' using basic connectors like '때문에' (because) or '면' (if). At this stage, you're not just recognizing the word; you're using it to navigate life in Korea. You might need to talk to a bank or a government office, and using '법적' correctly will help you communicate your needs more clearly and professionally.
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At the B2 level, you use '법적이다' to discuss abstract concepts and social issues. You can compare '법적' (legal) with '도덕적' (moral) or '윤리적' (ethical). You should be able to participate in a debate about '법적인 쟁점' (legal issues) in the news. Your usage should be fluid, and you should understand the nuance between '법적이다' and '합법적이다'. You will likely use this word in writing essays or giving presentations about society. You should also be familiar with related terms like '법적 절차' (legal procedure) and '법적 근거' (legal basis). This is the level where you start to sound like a sophisticated speaker who can handle formal and professional topics with ease.
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At the C1 level, '법적이다' is a tool for precise legal and academic discourse. You understand the historical and systemic implications of the word. You can use it to discuss '법적 효력' (legal validity) in complex contracts or '법적 구속력' (legal binding force). You are aware of how '법적' interacts with other Sino-Korean roots to form specialized terms like '민법적' (civil-legal) or '형법적' (criminal-legal). You can read legal documents or high-level news articles and understand exactly what kind of 'legal' nature is being discussed. Your ability to use the word in the correct register—whether it's a formal report or a high-level negotiation—is near-native.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '법적이다'. You can use it to discuss the philosophy of law, comparing '법적 실증주의' (legal positivism) with other theories. You understand the subtle connotations the word carries in different historical periods of Korean law. You can draft formal legal arguments or academic papers using the word and its derivatives with perfect accuracy. You also recognize when the word is being used rhetorically in political speeches or literature to evoke a sense of cold, hard reality versus human emotion. For you, '법적이다' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a concept that you can manipulate to express deep, complex thoughts about the structure of society.
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Examples Notes & Tips

법적이다 in 30 Seconds

  • '법적이다' means 'to be legal' or 'related to the law' in Korean.
  • It is commonly used as '법적인' (modifier) or '법적으로' (adverb).
  • It differs from '합법적이다' (lawful) by focusing on the domain of law.
  • Essential for formal contexts like business, news, and official procedures.
The Korean word 법적이다 (beopjeogida) is a highly versatile and essential adjective for anyone moving beyond basic Korean. At its core, it describes something that is related to, governed by, or defined by the law. While English speakers might use 'legal' in many contexts, Korean nuances the term through the suffix '-적' (jeok), which transforms the noun '법' (beop - law) into an attribute-describing word. This specific form, '법적이다', is used when you want to state that a situation, a document, or a consequence has a legal character. It is not just about whether something is allowed (which would be '합법적'), but whether it falls within the jurisdiction or framework of the legal system. For example, a 'legal dispute' is a '법적 분쟁', and 'legal responsibility' is '법적 책임'. Understanding this word is crucial because it appears in everything from news reports and business contracts to daily conversations about rights and duties.
Etymology
Derived from the Hanja '法' (law) and '的' (suffix for nature/quality). It literally means 'having the nature of law'.
In contemporary Korean society, where administrative procedures are strictly followed, you will hear this word whenever a formal process is initiated. It distinguishes informal agreements from those that can be upheld in a court of law. When someone says, 'Let's solve this legally,' they are shifting the context from a personal disagreement to a '법적' framework. This transition is significant in Korean culture, which historically valued social harmony and mediation but has increasingly moved toward a rigorous legalistic approach in business and civil matters.

이 계약서는 법적이다. (This contract is legal/has legal standing.)

Furthermore, '법적이다' implies a level of seriousness. It suggests that the topic at hand is no longer just a matter of opinion but is subject to the rules of the state. In dramas, lawyers often use this word to intimidate or clarify the gravity of a character's actions. It covers various fields including civil law, criminal law, and international law. For instance, '법적 절차' (legal procedure) is a common phrase used when discussing the steps required to file a lawsuit or register a business. Without this word, one cannot effectively navigate the complexities of Korean bureaucracy or professional life. It bridges the gap between common sense and statutory requirements, making it a cornerstone of intermediate and advanced Korean vocabulary.
Usage Note
Use '법적이다' when describing the status of an object or situation, but use '합법적이다' specifically to say something is 'not illegal' or 'authorized'.
To master this word, one must also understand its antonyms and synonyms. While '불법적이다' (illegal) is the direct opposite in terms of legality, '비법적' (non-legal) might refer to matters outside the law's scope. In professional settings, '법적 검토' (legal review) is a standard phase of any project. This word is not just for lawyers; it is for anyone who wants to ensure their actions are grounded in the formal structures of society. Whether you are signing a lease for an apartment in Seoul or negotiating a corporate merger, '법적이다' will be your guide to understanding the formal boundaries of your environment.
Using 법적이다 correctly requires an understanding of how adjectives function in Korean, specifically those ending in '-적'. These words are technically 'determiners' or 'nouns' that take the copula '이다' to function as adjectives. In a sentence, you can use it as a predicate, a modifier, or an adverbial form.
As a Predicate
When ending a sentence, you use '법적이다' (formal/plain) or '법적이에요' (polite). Example: '그의 행동은 법적이다.' (His action is legal.)
However, the most common way you will encounter this word is in its modifying form, 법적인. This is created by adding the adjective-ending '-ㄴ' to the root '법적'. This allows you to describe a following noun directly. For example, '법적인 조치' (legal measures), '법적인 권리' (legal rights), and '법적인 문제' (legal problems). This structure is essential for building complex sentences about rights, responsibilities, and formal systems.

우리는 법적인 도움을 받아야 합니다. (We must receive legal help.)

Another vital transformation is the adverbial form, 법적으로. By adding the particle '-으로', you change 'legal' into 'legally'. This is used to describe how an action is performed. '법적으로 대응하다' (to respond legally) or '법적으로 금지되다' (to be legally prohibited). This is the form you would use when discussing the status of an action or the method of resolution. In more complex sentences, you might see '법적이다' combined with connectors like '-지만' (but) or '-어서/아서' (because). For instance, '법적이지만 도덕적이지는 않다' (It is legal, but not moral). This illustrates how the word can be used to create nuanced arguments. In Korean legal documents, you will also see it paired with '유효하다' (to be valid), as in '법적으로 유효한 문서' (a legally valid document). Mastering these variations allows you to speak with authority on formal matters, moving beyond simple 'yes/no' legality to discussing the nature and implications of laws themselves.
You will encounter 법적이다 in several specific high-frequency environments in South Korea. The most prominent is the news and media. Korean news reports are often focused on '법적 공방' (legal battles) between politicians, celebrities, or large corporations (chaebols). When a journalist says a case has reached a '법적 결론' (legal conclusion), they are signaling the end of a formal dispute.
News Context
'검찰은 이번 사건에 대해 법적 검토에 착수했습니다.' (The prosecution has begun a legal review of this case.)
Another common place is K-Dramas. Legal dramas are a massive genre in Korea (e.g., 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', 'Vincenzo'). In these shows, characters constantly debate '법적인 근거' (legal grounds) for their actions. Hearing the word in these contexts helps learners understand the emotional weight and the formal register associated with it. It is often spoken with a sharp, clear intonation to emphasize authority.

이 서류는 법적인 효력이 전혀 없습니다! (This document has no legal effect whatsoever!)

In daily life, you might hear this word when dealing with '부동산' (real estate) or '계약' (contracts). If you are an expat in Korea, your landlord or a real estate agent might mention '법적 의무' (legal obligations) regarding your security deposit (jeonse or wolse). It is also prevalent in '약관' (terms and conditions) for apps and websites. When you click 'agree,' you are entering into a '법적 관계' (legal relationship). Understanding this word helps you realize when a conversation has moved from a friendly chat to a binding agreement. Finally, the workplace is a major venue for this word. '법적 대응' (legal response) is a common phrase used in corporate emails when addressing copyright infringement or breach of contract. If a company says they will take '법적 조치' (legal action), it is a serious warning. By recognizing this word, you can better navigate professional hierarchies and understand the stakes of various business decisions in a Korean context.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 법적이다 with 합법적이다. While both can translate to 'legal' in English, their usage in Korean is distinct. '합법적이다' specifically means 'lawful' or 'within the law' (the opposite of 'illegal' or '불법적'). In contrast, '법적이다' simply means 'related to the law'. For example, a 'legal problem' (법적인 문제) isn't necessarily a 'lawful problem'; it's a problem that involves the legal system.
Mistake 1: Wrong Word Choice
Saying '이것은 법적이에요' when you mean 'This is allowed by law' (should be 합법적이에요).
Another common error is the misuse of the particle '-으로'. Learners often forget that '법적' needs '-으로' to function as an adverb. You cannot say '법적 처리하다'; you must say '법적으로 처리하다' (to handle legally). This is a common pattern for all '-적' words. Skipping the particle makes the sentence sound fragmented and grammatically incorrect to native ears.

X: 법적 해결해요. / O: 법적으로 해결해요. (Let's solve it legally.)

Learners also struggle with the placement of '법적인'. Because it is a modifier, it must come before a noun. You cannot use it at the end of a sentence. For the end of a sentence, you must use '법적이다'. This distinction between the modifier form (-인) and the predicate form (-이다) is a fundamental rule of Korean grammar that is often overlooked in the heat of conversation. Lastly, there is the issue of formality. '법적이다' is a formal, Sino-Korean word. Using it in a very casual, slang-heavy conversation might sound overly stiff unless you are being intentionally dramatic. However, it is rarely 'wrong' to use it in terms of politeness; it's more about the 'vibe' of the conversation. In casual settings, people might use simpler phrases like '법대로 해' (Do it by the law/See you in court), which carries a more aggressive, colloquial tone. Understanding these nuances prevents you from sounding like a textbook and helps you sound like a natural speaker.
To truly master 법적이다, you should know the words that surround it in the semantic field of 'rules and regulations'. The most important related word is 합법적이다 (hap-beop-jeok-i-da), which means 'lawful'. Use this when you want to emphasize that an action does not break any laws. Its opposite is 불법적이다 (bul-beop-jeok-i-da), meaning 'illegal'.
Comparison: 법적 vs 합법적
'법적' refers to the domain (law-related), while '합법적' refers to the status (permitted by law).
Another useful alternative is 공식적이다 (gong-sik-jeok-i-da), meaning 'official'. While not strictly legal, many 'legal' matters are also 'official'. For example, an official statement (공식적인 입장) might have legal ramifications. If you are talking about something being 'regular' or 'standard' according to rules, you might use 규정적이다 (gyu-jeong-jeok-i-da), which relates to specific 'regulations' rather than broad 'laws'.

이것은 공식적인 절차입니다. (This is an official procedure.)

In academic or highly formal contexts, you might encounter 사법적 (sa-beop-jeok), which specifically refers to 'judicial' matters (related to the court system), or 입법적 (ip-beop-jeok), relating to 'legislative' matters (making laws). These are more specialized than the general '법적'. For a more 'natural' or 'soft' way to say something is legal in a non-professional setting, you can use the phrase 법에 어긋나지 않다 (beop-e eo-geut-na-ji ant-da), which literally means 'not to go against the law'. This is less stiff than '법적이다' and is common in everyday speech. By knowing these alternatives, you can choose the right word for the right level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Hanja character for law (法) is composed of 'water' (氵) and 'go' (去), suggesting that law should flow naturally like water.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pʌp.tɕʌk.i.da/
US /bʌp.tʃʌk.i.də/
Stress is generally even, but the second syllable 'jeok' is emphasized due to the fortis (tense) pronunciation.
Rhymes With
학적이다 (hak-jeok-i-da) 공적이다 (gong-jeok-i-da) 직접이다 (jik-jeop-i-da) 기적이다 (gi-jeok-i-da) 사적이다 (sa-jeok-i-da) 지적이다 (ji-jeok-i-da) 실적이다 (sil-jeok-i-da) 성적이다 (seong-jeok-i-da)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'beop' with a strong released 'p'.
  • Failing to tense the 'j' in 'jeok' after the 'p' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and signs, but requires Hanja knowledge for deep understanding.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of the '-적' suffix and particles.

Speaking 3/5

Used in formal situations; intonation is important for authority.

Listening 3/5

Common in dramas and news; easily recognizable by the 'beop' sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

법 (law) 이다 (to be) 문제 (problem) 도움 (help) 사람 (person)

Learn Next

합법적 (lawful) 불법적 (illegal) 절차 (procedure) 책임 (responsibility) 권리 (right)

Advanced

사법부 (judiciary) 입법부 (legislature) 헌법재판소 (Constitutional Court) 민사소송 (civil lawsuit) 형사처벌 (criminal punishment)

Grammar to Know

The '-적' Suffix

경제 (economy) -> 경제적 (economic)

The Copula '이다'

학생이다 (is a student) -> 법적이다 (is legal)

Adjective Modifier '-ㄴ/은'

법적이다 -> 법적인 문제

Adverbial Particle '-으로'

법적 -> 법적으로 해결하다

Negative '-지 않다'

법적이지 않다 (is not legal)

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Examples by Level

1

이것은 법입니다.

This is the law.

Simple noun + copula.

2

법은 중요해요.

Law is important.

Topic marker '은'.

3

그것은 법이 아니에요.

That is not the law.

Negative form '이/가 아니에요'.

4

법을 지키세요.

Please keep the law.

Imperative '-세요'.

5

이것은 법적 문제예요.

This is a legal problem.

Noun modifier '법적'.

6

그는 법을 공부해요.

He studies law.

Object marker '을'.

7

법은 모두에게 같아요.

The law is the same for everyone.

Adjective '같아요'.

8

우리는 법이 필요해요.

We need laws.

Adjective '필요해요'.

1

이 서류는 법적이에요.

This document is legal.

Polite ending '-이에요'.

2

법적인 도움을 받으세요.

Please get legal help.

Modifier form '법적인'.

3

그것은 법적인 권리입니다.

That is a legal right.

Formal ending '입니다'.

4

법적인 절차가 복잡해요.

The legal procedure is complex.

Subject marker '가'.

5

법적 조치를 취할 거예요.

I will take legal action.

Future tense '-을 거예요'.

6

이 문제는 법적이지 않아요.

This problem is not legal.

Negative '-지 않아요'.

7

법적인 근거가 뭐예요?

What is the legal basis?

Question '뭐예요?'.

8

법적인 책임을 져야 해요.

You must take legal responsibility.

Must do '-해야 해요'.

1

법적으로 해결하는 것이 좋아요.

It is good to solve it legally.

Adverbial '법적으로'.

2

이 계약은 법적 효력이 있어요.

This contract has legal effect.

Noun phrase '법적 효력'.

3

법적인 조언을 구하고 있습니다.

I am seeking legal advice.

Progressive '-고 있다'.

4

그의 행동은 법적으로 문제가 됩니다.

His action becomes a problem legally.

Verb '되다' (to become).

5

법적인 다툼을 피하고 싶어요.

I want to avoid a legal fight.

Want to '-고 싶다'.

6

법적 대응을 준비합시다.

Let's prepare a legal response.

Let's '-읍시다'.

7

이것은 법적으로 금지되어 있습니다.

This is legally prohibited.

Passive state '-어 있다'.

8

법적인 관점에서 생각해 보세요.

Try thinking from a legal perspective.

Perspective '관점에서'.

1

법적인 분쟁이 길어질 것 같습니다.

It seems the legal dispute will be long.

Supposition '-을 것 같다'.

2

법적으로 유효한 증거가 필요합니다.

We need legally valid evidence.

Modifier '유효한'.

3

그 회사는 법적인 책임을 회피했습니다.

That company avoided legal responsibility.

Past tense '-었습니다'.

4

법적 검토를 마친 후에 결정합시다.

Let's decide after finishing the legal review.

After doing '-ㄴ 후에'.

5

법적인 테두리 안에서 행동해야 합니다.

You must act within the legal boundary.

Metaphor '테두리' (boundary).

6

이 사건은 법적인 쟁점이 많습니다.

This case has many legal issues.

Noun '쟁점' (issue/point).

7

법적으로 정해진 절차를 따르세요.

Follow the legally set procedure.

Modifier '정해진' (set).

8

법적인 보호를 받을 수 있습니다.

You can receive legal protection.

Can do '-을 수 있다'.

1

법적인 구속력이 있는 합의입니다.

It is a legally binding agreement.

Noun '구속력' (binding force).

2

법적 실무에 관한 지식이 풍부합니다.

He has abundant knowledge about legal practice.

Phrase '에 관한' (regarding).

3

법적인 해석에 따라 결과가 달라집니다.

The result changes depending on the legal interpretation.

Phrase '에 따라' (according to).

4

법적인 사각지대를 이용한 범죄입니다.

It is a crime using a legal blind spot.

Metaphor '사각지대' (blind spot).

5

법적 지위를 확립하는 것이 시급합니다.

Establishing a legal status is urgent.

Noun '지위' (status).

6

법적인 공방이 치열하게 전개되고 있습니다.

A legal battle is unfolding fiercely.

Adverb '치열하게' (fiercely).

7

법적 제도 개선이 필요하다는 목소리가 높습니다.

Voices calling for legal system improvement are high.

Indirect quote 'ㄴ다는'.

8

법적인 정당성을 확보해야 합니다.

We must secure legal legitimacy.

Noun '정당성' (legitimacy).

1

법적 실증주의의 관점에서 분석해 봅시다.

Let's analyze it from the perspective of legal positivism.

Academic term '실증주의'.

2

법적인 형평성을 고려한 판결입니다.

It is a ruling that considers legal equity.

Noun '형평성' (equity).

3

법적 안정성을 해칠 우려가 있습니다.

There is a concern it might harm legal stability.

Noun '안정성' (stability).

4

법적인 다원주의를 인정하는 추세입니다.

It is a trend to recognize legal pluralism.

Noun '다원주의' (pluralism).

5

법적 의무와 도덕적 양심 사이의 갈등입니다.

It is a conflict between legal duty and moral conscience.

Phrase '사이의 갈등'.

6

법적인 소급 적용은 원칙적으로 금지됩니다.

Retroactive legal application is prohibited in principle.

Legal term '소급 적용'.

7

법적 담론의 지평을 넓혀야 합니다.

We must broaden the horizon of legal discourse.

Metaphor '지평' (horizon).

8

법적인 하자가 발견되어 계약이 무효화되었습니다.

A legal flaw was found, so the contract was nullified.

Noun '하자' (flaw/defect).

Common Collocations

법적 조치
법적 책임
법적 효력
법적 근거
법적 절차
법적 분쟁
법적 대리인
법적 대응
법적 문제
법적 권리

Common Phrases

법적으로 말하면

— Speaking legally or from a legal standpoint.

법적으로 말하면, 이것은 계약 위반입니다.

법적인 테두리

— The legal boundary or framework.

법적인 테두리 안에서 해결합시다.

법적 공방

— A legal battle or heated legal dispute.

두 회사는 법적 공방을 벌이고 있다.

법적 검토

— A legal review or examination.

변호사의 법적 검토가 필요합니다.

법적 지위

— Legal status or standing.

그의 법적 지위가 불안정합니다.

법적 구제

— Legal remedy or relief.

법적 구제 수단을 찾아봅시다.

법적 해석

— Legal interpretation.

법적 해석의 차이가 있습니다.

법적 의무

— Legal obligation or duty.

그것은 시민의 법적 의무입니다.

법적 하자

— A legal flaw or defect.

계약서에 법적 하자가 있습니다.

법적 보호

— Legal protection.

약자를 위한 법적 보호가 필요합니다.

Often Confused With

법적이다 vs 합법적이다

Means 'lawful' (allowed by law). '법적' just means 'related to law'.

법적이다 vs 정당하다

Means 'just' or 'fair'. Something can be '법적' but feel '부당' (unfair).

법적이다 vs 공식적이다

Means 'official'. Not all official things are legal, and vice versa.

Idioms & Expressions

"법대로 해라"

— 'Do it by the law' - often used as a challenge meaning 'See you in court!'

더 이상 할 말 없으니 법대로 해라!

Aggressive/Informal
"법망을 피하다"

— To evade the law or find a loophole.

그는 교묘하게 법망을 피했다.

Neutral
"법의 심판을 받다"

— To face the judgment of the law.

범인은 결국 법의 심판을 받았다.

Formal
"법보다 주먹이 가깝다"

— 'Fists are closer than the law' - meaning violence often happens before the law can intervene.

어떤 사람들에게는 법보다 주먹이 가깝다.

Idiomatic
"법 없이도 살 사람"

— A person who is so good and honest they don't even need laws to behave correctly.

우리 할아버지는 법 없이도 살 사람이에요.

Complimentary
"법을 어기다"

— To break the law.

법을 어기면 벌을 받습니다.

Common
"법에 걸리다"

— To be caught by the law (illegal).

그 행동은 법에 걸릴 수 있어요.

Informal
"법을 휘두르다"

— To brandish/misuse the law for one's own power.

권력자가 법을 휘둘러서는 안 된다.

Critical
"법의 테두리를 벗어나다"

— To go outside the legal boundary.

그의 행위는 법의 테두리를 벗어났다.

Formal
"법을 세우다"

— To establish or uphold the law.

나라의 법을 바로 세워야 한다.

Formal

Easily Confused

법적이다 vs 합법적

Both translate to 'legal' in English.

Sentence Patterns

A1

이것은 [Noun]입니다.

이것은 법입니다.

A2

이것은 법적인 [Noun]이에요.

이것은 법적인 문제예요.

B1

[Noun]은/는 법적으로 [Verb].

그것은 법적으로 금지되었습니다.

B2

법적인 [Noun]을/를 취해야 합니다.

법적인 조치를 취해야 합니다.

C1

법적인 [Noun]에 따라 [Verb].

법적인 해석에 따라 판결이 달라집니다.

C2

법적인 [Noun]의 [Noun]을/를 고려하다.

법적인 형평성의 원칙을 고려하다.

Any

법적으로 말하자면 [Sentence].

법적으로 말하자면 당신이 틀렸습니다.

Any

법적인 [Noun]이/가 있다/없다.

법적인 근거가 전혀 없습니다.

Word Family

Nouns

법 (law)
법학 (jurisprudence)
법률 (statute)
법원 (court)
법조인 (legal professional)

Verbs

법제화하다 (to legislate)
법을 어기다 (to break law)

Adjectives

법적이다 (legal)
합법적이다 (lawful)
불법적이다 (illegal)

Related

변호사 (lawyer)
판사 (judge)
헌법 (constitution)
권리 (right)
의무 (duty)
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How to Use It

frequency

Very high in professional, news, and administrative contexts.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

'Beop' sounds like 'Bop'. Think of a judge 'bopping' their gavel to make something 'Beop-jeok' (Legal).

Visual Association

Imagine a document (적) with a huge 'Law' (법) stamp on it.

Word Web

Law (법) Court (법원) Lawyer (변호사) Contract (계약) Right (권리) Duty (의무) Justice (정의) Rule (규칙)

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that have '법적 효력' (legal validity), like an ID card or a rental agreement.

Word Origin

From Hanja: 法 (beop - law) + 的 (jeok - suffix meaning '-ic' or '-al') + 이다 (ida - to be).

Original meaning: To possess the characteristic or nature of law.

Sino-Korean vocabulary.

Cultural Context

Be careful using '법적이다' in personal arguments as it can sound threatening or overly cold.

In English, 'legal' is used very broadly. In Korean, '법적' is more specific to the 'nature' of the law, while '합법' is about 'permission'.

The drama 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' (우영우) often uses '법적' terms. The 'Constitution of the Republic of Korea' (대한민국 헌법). Common news phrase: '법적 대응을 검토 중이다' (Considering a legal response).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Contracts

  • 법적 효력이 있다 (to have legal effect)
  • 법적 책임을 지다 (to take legal responsibility)
  • 법적으로 유효하다 (to be legally valid)
  • 법적 검토를 받다 (to undergo legal review)

News Reports

  • 법적 대응을 예고하다 (to announce a legal response)
  • 법적 공방을 벌이다 (to engage in a legal battle)
  • 법적인 판단을 내리다 (to make a legal judgment)
  • 법적 절차에 착수하다 (to start legal procedures)

Daily Disputes

  • 법적으로 해결하다 (to solve legally)
  • 법적인 도움을 구하다 (to seek legal help)
  • 법적인 근거가 없다 (to have no legal basis)
  • 법대로 하다 (to do by the law)

Government/Visa

  • 법적 지위를 확인하다 (to check legal status)
  • 법적 의무를 다하다 (to fulfill legal duties)
  • 법적인 보호를 받다 (to receive legal protection)
  • 법적 요건을 갖추다 (to meet legal requirements)

Ethics/Philosophy

  • 법적인 관점 (legal perspective)
  • 법적 정당성 (legal legitimacy)
  • 법적 안정성 (legal stability)
  • 법과 도덕 (law and morality)

Conversation Starters

"이 계약서가 법적으로 문제가 없을까요? (Do you think there are no legal problems with this contract?)"

"법적인 도움을 어디서 받을 수 있는지 아세요? (Do you know where I can get legal help?)"

"그 사건의 법적인 결론이 어떻게 났나요? (What was the legal conclusion of that case?)"

"이것이 법적으로 허용되는 범위인가요? (Is this within the legally allowed range?)"

"법적인 책임을 누가 져야 한다고 생각하세요? (Who do you think should take legal responsibility?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 뉴스에서 본 법적인 이슈에 대해 써보세요. (Write about a legal issue you saw in the news today.)

법적인 보호가 가장 필요한 사람은 누구라고 생각하나요? (Who do you think needs legal protection the most?)

내가 겪었던 법적인 문제나 절차에 대해 적어보세요. (Write about a legal problem or procedure you experienced.)

법과 도덕의 차이에 대해 법적인 관점에서 생각해보세요. (Think about the difference between law and morality from a legal perspective.)

만약 내가 법을 만든다면 어떤 법적인 규칙을 세우고 싶나요? (If you made laws, what kind of legal rules would you want to establish?)

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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

合法的な Japanese
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