pháp

Pháp is a Vietnamese term that carries multiple related meanings depending on context. It is derived from Sino-Vietnamese 法 (pháp), which signifies law, doctrine, or principle, and ultimately reflects the Sanskrit concept dharma in some uses. In Vietnamese, pháp functions in both secular and religious or philosophical domains.

In legal and administrative language, pháp refers to law and its systems. Common phrases include pháp luật (the law), pháp lý (legal, related to law), and pháp chế (legal codification or legislation). The term appears in discussions of regulation, governance, and public policy, often in phrases that emphasize compliance with the legal framework, such as tuân thủ pháp luật (to comply with the law).

In religious and philosophical contexts, pháp denotes the Dharma—the universal law or teachings that describe the nature of reality and the path to liberation. In Vietnamese Buddhism, Phật pháp means the teachings of the Buddha, while Pháp may refer to the doctrine itself, the ethical precepts, and the methods of practice associated with attaining enlightenment. The concept encompasses both doctrinal content and practical guidance for conduct and meditation.

Culturally, pháp functions as a core term that embodies order, rule, and principle across different domains. Its usage reflects the blend of legal tradition and spiritual philosophy in Vietnamese language and society, where law and Dharma may be discussed within parallel but distinct frameworks.