正法

zhèngfǎ

verb #30,279

Meanings

1 to execute (a criminal); to put to death
2 the true law; orthodox Buddhist teaching (Dharma)

Characters

correct; upright

law; method; Dharma

Examples

HSK 7-9

这名匪首被就地正法。

Zhè míng fěishǒu bèi jiùdì zhèngfǎ.

The bandit chief was executed on the spot.

HSK 7-9

佛法又称正法。

Fófǎ yòuchēng zhèngfǎ.

The Dharma is also called the True Law.

Tips

register

Two registers, very different feel. Legal / historical: 'to put to death' - see the set phrase 就地正法 ('execute on the spot'). Buddhist: 正法 = saddharma, the 'true Dharma', the correct teaching. Modern news usage almost always means execution.

Stroke Order

正 zhèng

法 fǎ