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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "according to law" with 依法 (yīfǎ)

    Manner & Method
    Obligation & Necessity

    Structure

    依法 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    The adverb 依法 (yīfǎ) means "according to law" or "in accordance with the law." It is placed before a verb to indicate that an action is carried out legally or as prescribed by law. It is common in legal and news contexts, as in 依法严惩 (punish severely according to law).

    Examples

    • 对于违法行为，必须依法处理。

      duìyú wéifǎ xíngwéi, bìxū yīfǎ chǔlǐ.

      Illegal conduct must be dealt with according to the law.

    • 政府依法保护公民的合法权益。

      zhèngfǔ yīfǎ bǎohù gōngmín de héfǎ quányì.

      The government protects the lawful rights and interests of citizens in accordance with the law.

    • 这家企业因为污染环境被依法处罚了。

      zhè jiā qǐyè yīnwèi wūrǎn huánjìng bèi yīfǎ chǔfá le.

      This company was punished according to the law for polluting the environment.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing "according to law" with 依法 (yīfǎ) | Chinese Grammar