This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #4,500 most common 9 min read

법규

beopgyu Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 법규 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 법규 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '법규' (beopgyu) often in your own speaking, but you might see it on signs. Think of it as a very important 'Rule'. In Korea, 'beopgyu' is like the rules of the road or rules for safety. When you see this word, it means 'You must do this' or 'You must not do that'. A simple way to remember it is as 'Government Rules'. At this level, just focus on recognizing that it relates to the law and following instructions. You might see it paired with '지키다' (to keep/follow), as in '법규를 지키세요' (Follow the rules).

At the A2 level, you should start recognizing '법규' in common contexts like traffic and public safety. This is a formal word for 'regulations'. You will hear it in subway announcements or see it on posters in public parks. For example, '교통 법규' (traffic regulations) is a very common phrase. You should know that this word is more formal than '규칙' (rules). If you are talking about rules for a game, use '규칙'. If you are talking about rules from the government or the police, '법규' is the better word. You can use it in simple sentences like '법규를 지켜야 합니다' (You must follow the regulations).

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '법규' in discussions about social issues, workplace safety, or legal requirements. You should understand that '법규' refers to a collective set of rules rather than just one single law. It is often used in the context of compliance. You might use verbs like '준수하다' (to comply with) or '위반하다' (to violate) instead of just '지키다' or '어기다'. For example, '많은 사람들이 교통 법규를 준수합니다' (Many people comply with traffic regulations). You will also encounter this word in news articles about new government policies or environmental standards.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuance between '법규', '법' (law), and '규정' (regulations/provisions). '법규' is often used in administrative contexts to describe the specific rules that implement a law. You should be able to use it in formal writing, such as an essay about public order or a business report about legal compliance. Phrases like '관련 법규에 따라' (according to relevant regulations) or '법규 위반 사례' (cases of regulation violation) should become part of your professional vocabulary. You can discuss the importance of these regulations in maintaining a functional society.

At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the legal and technical implications of '법규'. In legal terms, '법규' refers to legal norms that have external binding force on citizens. You might encounter discussions about '법규성' (the quality of having the force of law) in administrative law. You should be able to distinguish between '행정법규' (administrative regulations) and other types of legal instruments. Your usage should be precise, using the word to discuss statutory interpretations, regulatory frameworks, and the systematic nature of the Korean legal hierarchy. You can analyze how '법규' impacts economic activities or human rights.

At the C2 level, you command '법규' with the precision of a native professional or legal expert. You can engage in complex debates about the '법규명령' (legal orders/ordinances) versus '행정규칙' (administrative rules). You understand the historical evolution of specific '법규' and can critique their effectiveness in modern Korean society. You might use the term in academic papers, legal briefs, or high-level policy discussions. You are aware of the subtle linguistic shifts in how the term is used in legislative drafting versus judicial precedents. Your mastery includes an understanding of how '법규' interacts with international standards and treaties.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

법규 in 30 Seconds

Formal noun meaning 'laws and regulations'.
Used mainly in official, legal, and safety contexts.
Commonly paired with 'traffic' (교통) and 'compliance' (준수).
Signals a higher level of authority than the word 'rule' (규칙).

The Korean word 법규 (Beop-gyu) is a formal noun that refers to a collective set of laws, regulations, and administrative rules established by an authoritative body. While the English word 'law' often translates simply to 법 (beop), 법규 specifically encompasses both the high-level statutes and the granular, technical regulations that dictate how those laws are implemented in daily life. You will most frequently encounter this term in formal contexts such as legal documents, government announcements, safety manuals, and traffic education. It carries a weight of official obligation, suggesting that these are not just suggestions or social norms, but mandatory requirements enforced by the state or an organization.

Legal Authority: The term implies rules that have been codified and published in an official capacity, such as the 'Road Traffic Act' or 'Environmental Regulations'.
Public Compliance: It is almost always used in the context of 'observing' (준수) or 'violating' (위반) rules that apply to the general public or specific professionals.
Technical Specificity: Unlike the broader 'beop', 법규 often refers to the specific clauses and provisions that define exactly what is permitted or forbidden.

운전자는 도로 교통 법규를 반드시 지켜야 합니다. (Drivers must strictly follow road traffic regulations.)

In everyday conversation, Koreans might use the simpler word 규칙 (gyu-chik) for house rules or game rules, but as soon as the situation involves the police, the government, or professional certification, 법규 becomes the standard term. For example, when taking a driver's license exam in Korea, the written portion is heavily focused on 교통 법규 (traffic regulations). If a news reporter discusses a company being fined, they will likely mention that the company 'violated environmental 법규'. It is a word that signals a transition from informal social expectations to formal legal requirements.

관련 법규를 검토한 후에 결정을 내리겠습니다. (I will make a decision after reviewing the relevant regulations.)

Academic Context: In law schools or administrative studies, 법규 is studied as the foundation of administrative law, representing the norms that bind both the administration and the citizens.

안전 법규 미준수로 인해 사고가 발생했습니다. (The accident occurred due to non-compliance with safety regulations.)

Using 법규 correctly requires pairing it with the right verbs and particles. Because it refers to formal rules, the verbs used with it are also typically formal. The most common verb pairings are 준수하다 (to observe/comply), 위반하다 (to violate), and 어기다 (to break). In a sentence, 법규 usually acts as the object of these actions. For example, if you want to say 'Please follow the regulations,' you would say 법규를 준수해 주세요. This sounds much more professional and authoritative than using '지키다' (to keep/protect), though '지키다' is also grammatically correct and common in less formal public service announcements.

우리는 모든 환경 법규를 철저히 지키고 있습니다. (We are strictly keeping all environmental regulations.)

Another important usage pattern is the combination of a specific field name with 법규. You will rarely see 법규 standing alone without a descriptor unless the context is already established. Common descriptors include 교통 (traffic), 안전 (safety), 건축 (construction), and 수출입 (import/export). When you combine these, you create compound nouns that identify exactly which set of rules is being discussed. For instance, 교통 법규 위반 (traffic regulation violation) is a standard phrase you might see on a police ticket or a news report about a car accident.

Active Compliance: 법규를 준수하다 (To comply with regulations) - Used in corporate mission statements or formal promises.
Passive Observation: 법규에 따르다 (To follow/abide by regulations) - Often used when explaining the reason for an action: 'According to the regulations...'

새로운 무역 법규가 다음 달부터 시행됩니다. (New trade regulations will be enforced starting next month.)

Grammatically, 법규 is a noun, so it can be followed by particles like -를/을 (object), -가/이 (subject), or -에 (to/at). When you are talking about 'according to the regulations', you use the structure 법규에 따라 or 법규에 의거하여. The latter is extremely formal and usually found in legal rulings or official government responses. If you are a student, you might hear a teacher say, '학교 법규를 어기면 벌을 받습니다' (If you break school regulations, you will be punished), which uses the word to emphasize that the school rules are formal and non-negotiable.

그 회사는 노동 법규 위반으로 조사를 받고 있습니다. (That company is under investigation for violating labor regulations.)

In South Korea, 법규 is a word you are more likely to hear through a loudspeaker or read on a sign than hear in a casual chat over coffee. One of the most common places is on the road. Digital signs over highways often flash messages like '교통 법규 준수, 생명 보호' (Observe traffic regulations, protect lives). If you are driving and accidentally speed, the automated voice in your navigation system might warn you about upcoming 'traffic regulation enforcement zones'. This constant exposure reinforces the word's association with safety and the law.

방송 안내: "승객 여러분, 안전 법규에 따라 좌석 벨트를 착용해 주시기 바랍니다." (Announcement: "Passengers, please wear your seatbelts in accordance with safety regulations.")

The news is another major source. Whether it is a segment on the evening news (뉴스데스크) or a digital article on Naver, 법규 appears whenever the government introduces a new policy. You might hear an anchor say, '정부가 부동산 관련 법규를 개정했습니다' (The government has revised real estate regulations). In this context, the word signals that something in the legal framework has changed, and citizens need to pay attention to avoid penalties. It is also a staple in 'K-Dramas' that focus on law or medicine, where characters debate whether an action was a 'clear violation of the 법규'.

Workplace Orientation: When starting a job in Korea, you will likely receive a handbook detailing 'Company 법규' or 'Workplace Safety 법규'.
Public Transportation: Posters in buses or subways often list 'Prohibited Acts' citing specific 법규 to discourage smoking or disruptive behavior.

신문 헤드라인: "강화된 소방 법규, 오늘부터 시행" (Newspaper Headline: "Strengthened Fire Safety Regulations, Enforced from Today")

Finally, for those interested in Korean sports, particularly baseball or soccer, commentators sometimes use the word when discussing league rules or player conduct codes. If a player is suspended, the official statement will often cite a specific 'League 법규' that was violated. This shows that the word is used whenever there is a formal, written system of governance, extending beyond just national laws to include any organized body's regulatory framework.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when learning 법규 is using it in place of the broader word 법 (beop). While both mean 'law', 법 is used for general concepts ('I study law') or specific major laws ('The Criminal Law'). 법규 is more specific to the 'rules and regulations' aspect. For example, you wouldn't say '법규가 되고 싶어요' (I want to become a regulation) if you mean you want to be a lawyer. You would use '법조인' or say you study '법'. Understanding this distinction is key to sounding natural.

틀린 예: 친구와 게임 법규를 정했어요. (Wrong: We decided on game regulations with a friend.)

Another mistake is confusing 법규 with 규칙 (gyu-chik). While they are synonyms, 규칙 is much more common for everyday rules like classroom rules, gym rules, or grammar rules. Using 법규 for a classroom rule makes it sound like the teacher is a government official and the students are subjects under a legal mandate. It creates an unintentionally funny or overly intense atmosphere. Save 법규 for situations where a legal authority or a formal governing body is involved.

Incorrect Particle Usage: Avoid saying '법규를 해' (do the regulation). Instead, use '준수하다' (comply) or '지키다' (follow).
Over-formalization: Using this word in a casual text message to a friend about being late might be seen as a joke or sarcasm because of its high formality level.

맞는 예: 이 게임의 규칙은 간단합니다. (Correct: The rules of this game are simple.)

A subtle mistake involves the pronunciation. While it looks straightforward, the 'k' sound in 'beop' and the 'g' sound in 'gyu' can blend. Beginners often over-emphasize each syllable separately. In natural speech, the transition is smooth. Also, be careful not to confuse it with words that sound similar but have completely different meanings, though 법규 is fairly distinct in its legal context. Lastly, remember that 법규 is a collective noun; you don't usually count them as 'one regulation, two regulations' (한 법규, 두 법규). Instead, you would use '조항' (clause) or '항목' (item) to count specific parts of the regulations.

To truly master 법규, you must understand how it sits within a family of related terms. The most common alternatives are 법 (beop), 규칙 (gyu-chik), 규정 (gyu-jeong), and 조례 (jo-rye). Each has a specific nuance that changes depending on the level of authority and the scope of the rules being discussed. Choosing the right one makes your Korean sound precise and educated.

법 (Beop) - Law: The most general term. It refers to the entire legal system or a specific act passed by the National Assembly.
Example: 법을 지키다 (To follow the law).
규칙 (Gyu-chik) - Rule: Commonly used for smaller-scale or less formal rules, like games, classrooms, or habits.
Example: 교실 규칙 (Classroom rules).
규정 (Gyu-jeong) - Regulation/Provision: Often used within organizations (like a company or university) to describe internal policies.
Example: 회사 규정 (Company regulations).
조례 (Jo-rye) - Ordinance: A very specific legal term for laws passed by local governments (like the Seoul Metropolitan Government).
Example: 시 조례 (City ordinance).

비교: "이것은 법규입니다" (This is a legal regulation) vs "이것은 약속입니다" (This is a promise/agreement).

When deciding between 법규 and 규정, think about the source. If the rules come from the government and carry the threat of legal fines or jail, 법규 is usually better. If the rules are internal to a private group, 규정 is more appropriate. For example, 'Safety regulations' in a factory could be either: 안전 법규 if they are mandated by the national labor department, or 안전 규정 if they are specific policies created by that company's management.

회사의 내부 규정을 확인해 보세요. (Please check the company's internal regulations.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '法' (beop) is composed of 'water' (水) and 'go' (去), suggesting that law is something that flows naturally like water.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pʌp.kju/

US /bʌp.kju/

The stress is balanced, but the second syllable 'gyu' often feels slightly more emphasized due to the tensing of the consonant.

Rhymes With

성규 (Seong-gyu) 문구 (Mun-gu) 도구 (Do-gu) 축구 (Chuk-gu) 연구 (Yeon-gu) 지구 (Ji-gu) 가구 (Ga-gu) 친구 (Chin-gu)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the first 'p' (ㅂ) too strongly like an English 'p'. It should be a soft, unreleased sound.
Failing to tense the 'g' (ㄱ) in 'gyu' to 'kk' (ㄲ). In Korean, ㅂ + ㄱ results in a ㄲ sound.
Pronouncing 'gyu' like 'goo'. Ensure the 'y' glide is present.
Separating the syllables too much. They should flow together.
Confusing the vowel 'eo' (ㅓ) with 'o' (ㅗ).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in formal texts once you know the Hanja-based syllables.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal verb endings and specific collocations.

Speaking 4/5

The 'p-k' sound transition can be tricky for beginners to smooth out.

Listening 3/5

Common in announcements, so it's easy to hear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

법 (Law) 규칙 (Rule) 지키다 (To keep) 어기다 (To break) 안전 (Safety)

Learn Next

준수하다 (To comply) 위반하다 (To violate) 행정 (Administration) 조항 (Clause) 처벌 (Punishment)

Advanced

법령 (Statutes) 시행령 (Enforcement Decree) 헌법 (Constitution) 법치주의 (Rule of Law)

Grammar to Know

-에 따라 (According to...)

법규에 따라 처리하겠습니다.

-아/어야 하다 (Must/Have to)

법규를 반드시 지켜야 합니다.

-(으)면 안 되다 (Should not)

법규를 위반하면 안 됩니다.

-기 위해 (In order to)

법규를 준수하기 위해 노력합시다.

-에 의거하여 (Based on/Pursuant to)

관련 법규에 의거하여 승인되었습니다.

Examples by Level

법규를 지키세요.

Follow the regulations.

지키다 (to keep/follow) is used in its imperative form.

교통 법규가 중요해요.

Traffic regulations are important.

Simple subject-adjective sentence.

이것은 법규입니다.

This is a regulation.

Using the 'is' verb (입니다).

법규를 알아요?

Do you know the regulations?

Asking a question with 알다 (to know).

안전 법규를 봐요.

Look at the safety regulations.

Using the object particle -를.

법규는 어려워요.

Regulations are difficult.

Topic particle -는 used for general statements.

학교 법규가 있어요.

There are school regulations.

Using 있다 (to exist/have).

법규를 배우세요.

Please learn the regulations.

Formal polite imperative form.

운전할 때는 교통 법규를 지켜야 합니다.

You must follow traffic regulations when driving.

-아/어야 하다 (must/have to).

공원 법규를 확인하세요.

Please check the park regulations.

확인하다 (to check) in imperative form.

그는 법규를 어겨서 벌금을 냈어요.

He paid a fine because he broke the regulations.

-아서/어서 (reason/cause).

여기에 안전 법규가 적혀 있어요.

The safety regulations are written here.

Passive form (적혀 있다).

법규를 잘 지키는 사람이 됩시다.

Let's be people who follow the regulations well.

-는 (noun modifying ending) + 됩시다 (let's become).

이 법규는 모두에게 적용됩니다.

This regulation applies to everyone.

적용되다 (to be applied).

새로운 법규가 생겼어요.

A new regulation has been created.

생기다 (to arise/be created).

법규를 위반하면 안 됩니다.

You should not violate the regulations.

-(으)면 안 되다 (should not).

모든 시민은 관련 법규를 준수할 의무가 있습니다.

Every citizen has an obligation to comply with relevant regulations.

준수하다 (to comply) + 의무 (obligation).

교통 법규 위반으로 사고가 발생하는 경우가 많습니다.

There are many cases where accidents occur due to traffic regulation violations.

Noun phrase (법규 위반) used as a cause.

회사는 환경 법규를 철저히 지키고 있다고 발표했습니다.

The company announced that it is strictly following environmental regulations.

Indirect discourse (-고 있다고).

정부는 새로운 안전 법규를 도입하기로 결정했습니다.

The government decided to introduce new safety regulations.

-기로 결정하다 (to decide to).

법규가 복잡해서 이해하기 어려울 때가 있습니다.

There are times when it's hard to understand because the regulations are complex.

-기 어려울 때가 있다 (times when it's hard to...).

수출입 법규를 잘 모르면 손해를 볼 수 있습니다.

If you don't know the import/export regulations well, you may suffer a loss.

-(으)면 (if) + -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 (can/may).

이 지역은 소방 법규가 매우 엄격합니다.

Fire safety regulations are very strict in this area.

Adjective 엄격하다 (to be strict).

법규를 개정하기 위해 공청회를 열었습니다.

A public hearing was held to revise the regulations.

-(으)기 위해 (in order to).

해당 행위는 도로교통법규에 저촉될 가능성이 큽니다.

The act in question is highly likely to conflict with road traffic regulations.

저촉되다 (to conflict with/contravene).

기업들은 변화하는 노동 법규에 기민하게 대응해야 합니다.

Companies must respond promptly to changing labor regulations.

기민하게 (promptly/agilely) + 대응하다 (to respond).

법규의 모호함이 시장의 혼란을 가중시키고 있습니다.

The ambiguity of the regulations is increasing market confusion.

모호함 (ambiguity) + 가중시키다 (to aggravate/increase).

그 건축물은 소방 법규를 준수하지 않아 사용 승인이 거절되었습니다.

The building was denied an occupancy permit because it did not comply with fire regulations.

준수하지 않아 (because of non-compliance).

정부는 중소기업을 위해 복잡한 법규를 간소화할 계획입니다.

The government plans to simplify complex regulations for small and medium-sized enterprises.

간소화하다 (to simplify).

법규를 위반한 사실이 드러나면 엄중한 처벌을 받게 됩니다.

If the fact of violating the regulations is revealed, you will face severe punishment.

-게 되다 (to end up/become).

현행 법규로는 이 문제를 해결하기에 한계가 있습니다.

There are limits to solving this problem with current regulations.

현행 (current/existing) + 한계 (limit).

법규에 명시된 절차를 반드시 따라야 합니다.

You must follow the procedures specified in the regulations.

명시되다 (to be specified/stated).

본 사안은 행정 법규의 해석에 따라 결과가 달라질 수 있습니다.

The outcome of this matter may vary depending on the interpretation of administrative regulations.

해석 (interpretation) + 달라질 수 있다 (can change).

법규의 실효성을 높이기 위해 단속을 강화할 필요가 있습니다.

It is necessary to strengthen enforcement to increase the effectiveness of the regulations.

실효성 (effectiveness) + 강화하다 (to strengthen).

국제적 기준에 부합하도록 국내 법규를 정비해야 합니다.

Domestic regulations must be reorganized to align with international standards.

부합하도록 (so that it matches/aligns).

법규의 소급 적용 여부를 두고 법적 공방이 치열합니다.

There is a fierce legal battle over whether the regulations should be applied retroactively.

소급 적용 (retroactive application) + 공방 (battle/dispute).

자율 주행 자동차 시대를 대비한 새로운 법규 마련이 시급합니다.

It is urgent to prepare new regulations in preparation for the era of autonomous vehicles.

마련 (preparation/provision) + 시급하다 (to be urgent).

법규 위반에 대한 징벌적 손해배상 제도가 검토되고 있습니다.

A punitive damages system for regulation violations is being reviewed.

징벌적 손해배상 (punitive damages).

이 규정은 상위 법규와 충돌하므로 효력이 없습니다.

This provision is invalid because it conflicts with higher-level regulations.

충돌하다 (to conflict) + 효력이 없다 (to be invalid).

법규 준수는 기업의 사회적 책임(CSR) 중 가장 기본적인 요소입니다.

Compliance with regulations is the most basic element of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

요소 (element/factor).

법규의 경직성이 오히려 혁신을 저해하는 요소로 작용할 수 있습니다.

The rigidity of regulations can act as a factor that hinders innovation.

경직성 (rigidity) + 저해하다 (to hinder).

법치주의 국가에서 법규는 권력의 자의적 행사를 억제하는 수단입니다.

In a constitutional state, regulations are a means of restraining the arbitrary exercise of power.

자의적 (arbitrary) + 억제하다 (to restrain).

기술의 발전 속도를 법규가 따라가지 못하는 '법적 지체' 현상이 나타나고 있습니다.

A phenomenon of 'legal lag' is appearing, where regulations cannot keep up with the speed of technological development.

법적 지체 (legal lag) + 현상 (phenomenon).

법규의 제정 과정에서 이해관계자들의 갈등을 조정하는 것이 관건입니다.

The key is to mediate conflicts between stakeholders in the process of enacting regulations.

이해관계자 (stakeholder) + 관건 (key/crucial point).

본 논문은 환경 법규의 변천사를 통해 국가 정책의 방향성을 고찰합니다.

This paper examines the direction of national policy through the history of changes in environmental regulations.

변천사 (history of changes) + 고찰하다 (to examine/contemplate).

법규의 위계질서를 파악하는 것은 법해석학의 기초입니다.

Understanding the hierarchy of regulations is the foundation of legal hermeneutics.

위계질서 (hierarchy) + 법해석학 (legal hermeneutics).

규제 샌드박스 제도는 기존 법규를 일시적으로 유예하여 신산업을 육성합니다.

The regulatory sandbox system fosters new industries by temporarily suspending existing regulations.

유예하다 (to suspend/defer) + 육성하다 (to foster).

형벌 법규는 명확성의 원칙에 따라 범죄와 형벌을 구체적으로 규정해야 합니다.

Penal regulations must specifically define crimes and punishments according to the principle of clarity.

명확성의 원칙 (principle of clarity).

Common Collocations

법규를 준수하다

법규를 위반하다

법규에 따르다

교통 법규

안전 법규

법규를 지키다

법규를 어기다

환경 법규

법규 위반

법규 준수

Common Phrases

법규에 의거하여

— Based on the regulations. Used in very formal legal or administrative contexts.

현행 법규에 의거하여 본 처분을 내립니다.

Often Confused With

법규 vs 규칙 (Gyu-chik)

Gyu-chik is for general rules (games, class), while Beopgyu is for legal/official regulations.

법규 vs 법 (Beop)

Beop is the broad concept of 'Law', while Beopgyu is the specific 'set of regulations'.

법규 vs 규정 (Gyu-jeong)

Gyu-jeong is often internal (company policy), Beopgyu is usually external/governmental.

Idioms & Expressions

"법규를 밥 먹듯이 어기다"

— To break regulations as often as one eats meals. Used for habitual offenders.

그는 교통 법규를 밥 먹듯이 어긴다.

Informal/Critical

"법규의 그물망"

— The net of regulations. Refers to a dense system of rules that is hard to escape.

그는 촘촘한 법규의 그물망을 빠져나갔다.

Literary/Journalistic

"법규 위에 잠자는 자"

— One who sleeps on their legal rights/regulations. Refers to those who don't exercise or know the laws protecting them.

법규 위에 잠자는 자는 보호받지 못한다.

Legal Maxim

"귀에 걸면 귀걸이 코에 걸면 코걸이 법규"

— A regulation that changes meaning depending on who interprets it (like an earring on an ear or a nose ring on a nose).

그 법규는 귀에 걸면 귀걸이 코에 걸면 코걸이라서 문제다.

Idiomatic/Critical

"법규가 멀고 주먹이 가깝다"

— The law (regulations) is far away, but the fist is close. Used when violence happens before legal intervention.

법규가 멀고 주먹이 가까운 상황이라 무서웠어요.

Common Proverbial Variation

"법규의 칼날"

— The blade of the regulations. Refers to the sharp and severe enforcement of the law.

비리 정치인들이 법규의 칼날을 피하지 못했다.

Journalistic

"법규대로 해라"

— Do it exactly by the regulations. Often used defiantly when someone is being too rigid.

좋아요, 어디 법규대로 해 봅시다!

Neutral/Assertive

"법규를 손바닥 뒤집듯 하다"

— To change regulations as easily as flipping one's palm. Refers to inconsistent governance.

정부가 법규를 손바닥 뒤집듯 하니 믿을 수가 없다.

Critical

"법규의 테두리 안에서"

— Within the boundaries of the regulations.

우리는 법규의 테두리 안에서 자유를 누린다.

Formal

"법규를 무력화하다"

— To neutralize or make the regulations powerless.

대기업들이 로비를 통해 법규를 무력화하고 있다.

Academic/Journalistic

Easily Confused

법규 vs 법규 (Beop-gyu)

Both relate to rules.

Beopgyu is specifically about legal/administrative regulations with state authority.

교통 법규를 지킵시다. (Let's follow traffic regulations.)

법규 vs 규칙 (Gyu-chik)

Both translate to 'rule'.

Gyuchik is used for informal or small-scale rules like games or personal habits.

이 게임의 규칙은 뭐예요? (What are the rules of this game?)

법규 vs 법령 (Beop-ryeong)

Both are legal terms.

Beopryeong is a more technical, collective term for all laws and decrees in a formal sense.

정부는 법령을 정비했습니다. (The government reorganized the statutes.)

법규 vs 수칙 (Su-chik)

Both are guidelines.

Suchik usually refers to a specific code of conduct for individuals (e.g., safety guidelines).

행동 수칙을 숙지하세요. (Familiarize yourself with the code of conduct.)

법규 vs 조례 (Jo-rye)

Both are laws.

Jorye is specifically a local ordinance passed by a city or province, not national law.

서울시 조례에 따릅니다. (It follows the Seoul city ordinance.)

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] 법규를 지키세요.

교통 법규를 지키세요.

[Noun] 법규를 지켜야 합니다.

안전 법규를 지켜야 합니다.

[Noun] 법규 위반으로 [Result].

교통 법규 위반으로 벌금을 냈어요.

Word Family

Nouns

법 (Law)

규칙 (Rule)

규정 (Regulation)

법령 (Statutes/Ordinances)

Verbs

법규화하다 (To codify into regulations)

준수하다 (To comply)

위반하다 (To violate)

Adjectives

법규적인 (Regulatory/Legalistic)

헌법 (Constitution)

민법 (Civil Law)

형법 (Criminal Law)

행정법 (Administrative Law)

조례 (Ordinance)

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal, legal, and safety-related communications.

Common Mistakes

Using '법규' for game rules. → 규칙 (Gyu-chik)
'법규' is too formal for games. It implies government enforcement.
Saying '법규를 해' for 'following the rules'. → 법규를 지켜요 / 준수해요
'법규' is a noun that needs specific verbs like '지키다' or '준수하다'.
Confusing '법규' with '법조인' (lawyer). → 법조인이 되고 싶어요.
'법규' is the rule itself, not the person who practices law.
Using '법규' to mean 'the principle of law'. → 법의 원리 (Beop-ui won-ri)
'법규' refers to the actual written regulations, not abstract legal principles.
Incorrectly using '법규' as a slang gesture. → Avoid using it this way.
It's considered rude and unprofessional.

Tips

Use with Traffic

Whenever you talk about driving or road safety, use '교통 법규'. It's the most natural and frequent pairing for this word.

Formal Situations

Stick to '법규' in emails to authorities or in academic papers. In a casual chat with friends about rules, '규칙' is much better.

Object Particle

Remember to use the object particle '-를' when you are following or breaking the regulations (법규를...).

The Tense 'K'

Make sure to pronounce the 'gyu' as 'kkyu'. The 'p' at the end of 'beop' makes the following 'g' sound much stronger.

Pair with '준수'

To sound like a high-level speaker, pair '법규' with '준수하다' (to comply) instead of just '지키다' (to follow).

Corporate Compliance

If you work in a Korean company, you will hear '법규 준수' (compliance with regulations) a lot. It's a key business term.

Look for Signs

When walking in Korea, look for the word '법규' on yellow or red signs. They usually contain important safety warnings.

Legal Writing

In legal writing, '법규' refers to norms that affect the rights and duties of citizens. Use it precisely in this context.

Public Order

Understand that '법규' represents the backbone of public order in Korea. Respecting them is seen as a sign of a good citizen.

Beop = Law

Just remember that 'Beop' is the root for everything legal in Korean. If a word starts with 'Beop', it's about the law.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Beop' as 'Bop' (the sound of a judge's gavel) and 'Gyu' as 'Queue' (a line people wait in). You follow the 'Beop-Gyu' to keep in line with the judge!

Visual Association

Imagine a traffic light with a law book printed on the red light. It reminds you that the 'Beop-gyu' tells you when to stop.

Word Web

Law Police Traffic Safety Fine Compliance Government Order

Challenge

Try to find three signs on your way home that represent a '법규' (like a no-smoking sign or a speed limit sign) and say the word out loud.

Word Origin

Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters). '법' (法) means law, and '규' (規) means rule or standard.

Original meaning: A standard or rule that has the force of law.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be aware that using '법규' in a slang context (as mentioned in common mistakes) can be offensive as it mimics a middle-finger gesture.

In English-speaking countries, we often just say 'the law' or 'the rules'. Koreans use '법규' to specifically denote the formal, administrative side of these rules.

The Road Traffic Act (도로교통법규) - The most cited set of regulations in daily life. Korean Constitutional Court rulings often discuss the '법규성' of administrative orders. K-Dramas like 'Stranger' (비밀의 숲) frequently use this term in legal debates.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Driving/Traffic

교통 법규 준수
속도 제한 법규
신호 위반
음주 운전 법규

Workplace Safety

안전 법규 교육
보호구 착용 법규
작업장 안전 수칙
법규 위반 신고

Business/Legal

관련 법규 검토
법규 준수 보고서
규제 완화
법규 위반 과태료

Environmental Protection

배출가스 법규
폐기물 관리 법규
환경 규제 준수
탄소 배출 법규

Public Order

기초 질서 법규
공공장소 에티켓
소음 방지 법규
금연 구역 법규

Conversation Starters

"한국의 교통 법규는 외국과 어떻게 다른가요? (How are Korean traffic regulations different from abroad?)"

"회사에서 가장 중요하게 생각하는 법규는 무엇입니까? (What is the most important regulation in your company?)"

"최근에 바뀐 안전 법규에 대해 들어보셨나요? (Have you heard about the recently changed safety regulations?)"

"법규를 어겼을 때 벌금을 내본 적이 있나요? (Have you ever paid a fine for breaking a regulation?)"

"환경 보호를 위해 법규가 더 강화되어야 한다고 생각하세요? (Do you think regulations should be strengthened for environmental protection?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 지킨 법규들에 대해 써보세요. (Write about the regulations you followed today.)

만약 내가 새로운 법규를 하나 만들 수 있다면 무엇을 만들고 싶나요? (If you could make one new regulation, what would it be?)

법규가 없는 세상은 어떨지 상상해서 적어보세요. (Imagine and write about what a world without regulations would be like.)

외국인으로서 한국에서 지키기 가장 어려운 법규는 무엇인가요? (What is the hardest regulation to follow in Korea as a foreigner?)

법규 준수가 우리 사회에 미치는 영향에 대해 논해 보세요. (Discuss the impact of regulation compliance on our society.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not exactly. 'Law' is usually '법' (beop). '법규' (beopgyu) refers to the specific set of regulations and rules that carry the force of law. It's more like 'legal regulations'.

No, that would sound too formal. For game rules, use '규칙' (gyu-chik). If you use '법규' for a game, it sounds like the government is enforcing the game rules.

The most common use is '교통 법규' (traffic regulations). You will see this everywhere on Korean roads and in driving tests.

Yes, it is a formal noun. You should use it in professional settings, news, or when discussing official matters.

You say '법규를 위반하다' (beopgyu-reul wiban-hada). This is the standard formal way to express breaking a regulation.

Common verbs include 준수하다 (comply), 지키다 (follow/keep), 위반하다 (violate), 어기다 (break), and 개정하다 (revise).

In Korean, nouns don't distinguish strictly between singular and plural. '법규' can mean one regulation or a whole set of them depending on context.

Yes, unfortunately, due to its pronunciation, it is sometimes used as slang for the middle-finger gesture. However, you should avoid this usage as a learner.

It means 'safety regulations'. It is commonly used in construction, factories, and public transport contexts.

'법규' usually implies a government-level law, while '규정' (gyujeong) is more often used for internal company policies or specific procedural rules.