Definition

1. Noun:
   • King's law, royal decree: Refers to the laws, rules, or decrees established and issued by a feudal king or royal court. It represents the supreme legal authority of the monarchy.
   • Royal authority, king's command: Can also signify the authority or command of the king himself.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Phép vua thua lệ làng. (The king's law yields to village customs.)
  • Mọi người đều phải tuân theo phép vua. (Everyone must obey the king's law.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is often used in a historical or proverbial context to discuss the relationship between centralized royal authority and local traditions. It highlights a traditional Vietnamese concept where local customs () could sometimes hold more practical sway than distant royal edicts.

Variants and Related Words

• Phép nước (n): Laws of the state; national law. A more general term for state law, not specifically tied to a monarchy.
• Lệnh vua (n): The king's order; a specific command from the king.
• Chiếu chỉ (n): Royal edict; a formal written decree from the king.

Synonyms

• Luật lệ triều đình: Court laws and regulations.
• Quốc pháp: National law (in a historical, monarchical context).

Related Idioms

• Phép vua thua lệ làng: An idiom meaning "The king's law yields to village customs." It emphasizes the power of local practices and community rules over formal, centralized authority.

1. King's law, king's rule of behaviour
   • Phép vua thua lệ làng
     The will of ruler must yield to the people's customs