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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 合法 (héfǎ) to express "legal" or "legitimate"

    Description & Modification
    Obligation & Necessity

    Structure

    合法

    Explanation

    The word 合法 (héfǎ) means "legal," "lawful," or "legitimate." It combines 合 (to conform to) and 法 (law). It is used to describe actions, statuses, or rights that are in accordance with the law. The opposite is 非法 (fēifǎ), meaning "illegal."

    Examples

    • 你的权益是受到合法保护的。

      nǐ de quányì shì shòudào héfǎ bǎohù de.

      Your rights are protected by law.

    • 这家公司的经营活动完全合法。

      zhè jiā gōngsī de jīngyíng huódòng wánquán héfǎ.

      This company's business activities are entirely legal.

    • 他们通过合法途径解决了这个纠纷。

      tāmen tōngguò héfǎ tújìng jiějué le zhège jiūfēn.

      They resolved this dispute through legal channels.

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    Using 合法 (héfǎ) to express "legal" or "legitimate" | Chinese Grammar