Sentence #3408562 from Tatoeba · converted to simplified characters · translation adapted
How 非法 is built
Each colour is one part of the character. Parts repeat across thousands of characters, so learning them makes new words easier. See all 214 in our radicals chart.
非fēito not be; not
非 is a single shape of 8 strokes. Learn it whole, then watch its stroke order below.
法fǎlaw
氵water form of 水 · shuǐ
去to go away · qù
Memory aidTraditionally explained as water 氵, which always lies level and so is fair, with 去 (qù) “to remove”, driving the guilty away: law, method.
How to write 非法
非 8 strokes · 法 8 strokes
Watch the order, then press Try writing it and draw each stroke in the grid. Each stroke is checked as you go.
Stroke order chart for 非法 (fēifǎ). Red marks the next stroke, so you can copy it onto paper one step at a time.
Say it fēifǎ: fēi with a 1st tone, then fǎ with a 3rd tone. Press Listen at the top of this page to hear it, or Slowly to hear each tone clearly.
Yes. 非法 is written the same way in Simplified and Traditional characters.
Add a Chinese (Simplified) pinyin keyboard to your phone or computer, type feifa with no tone marks or spaces, then choose 非法 from the suggestions. Typing feifa into this dictionary’s search box finds it too.
非法 is an HSK 6 word in the HSK 2.0 word lists.
Turn words into conversations
A dictionary gives you the words. A native teacher shows you how to use them. Start with a free 30-minute intro call.
Sources: meaning and pinyin checked by a native Mandarin teacher against the official HSK lists. Extra meanings from CC-CEDICT (CC BY-SA 4.0). Example sentences from Tatoeba (CC BY 2.0 FR). Character parts and stroke order from Make Me a Hanzi.
非fēi1st tone, high and level
法fǎ3rd tone, dipping
