命令
meirei[me̞ːɾe̞ː]
The English word 'decree' can be translated into Japanese as 命令 (meirei), depending on the context. Wiktionary also lists 詔書 (shōsho) and 詔勅 (shōchoku).
Meaning: edict or law (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 命令 | meirei | [me̞ːɾe̞ː] (narrow) |
| 詔書 | shōsho | [ɕo̞ːɕo̞] (narrow) |
| 詔勅 | shōchoku | [ɕo̞ːt͡ɕo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term refers to an edict or law.
Which one should you use?
命令 is the most common term for a command, order or decree and is used in both legal and everyday settings, such as in the military or the workplace. 詔書 is a formal term specifically referring to an imperial decree or edict issued by an emperor or a head of state. 詔勅 is a highly formal and literary term for an imperial decree, typically found in historical or classical contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 命令 does not change its form to indicate plurality. The context of the sentence determines whether it refers to a single order or multiple orders.
How do you pronounce it?
meirei
Did you know?
- In modern Japanese, 命令 is used to describe 'imperative' verb forms in grammar, referring to the mood used to give a direct order.
- In pop culture and gaming, such as in the 'Pokémon' series, 命令 is the term used for 'commands' given to creatures during battle.
- Historically, the highly formal imperial decrees like 詔勅 were rarely spoken aloud by the Emperor himself to the public, but were instead delivered through a complex hierarchy of court officials.
Examples in context
- 王の命令に従う。Ou no meirei ni shitagau.Obey the king's decree.
- その命令は非常に厳しい。Sono meirei wa hijou ni kibishii.That decree is very strict.
- 新しい命令が出された。Atarashii meirei ga dasareta.A new decree was issued.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are discussing a history book.
- 陽太 Yotaこの本に書いてある命令は厳しいね。Kono hon ni kaite aru meirei wa kibishii ne.The decree written in this book is strict, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当だね。昔の人は大変だったな。Hontou da ne. Mukashi no hito wa taihen datta na.You're right. People back then had it hard.
- 陽太 Yota誰がこの命令を出したのかな？Dare ga kono meirei o dashita no kana?I wonder who issued this decree?
- 結衣 Yui多分、当時の皇帝だと思うよ。Tabun, touji no koutei da to omou yo.I think it was probably the emperor of that time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decree” translations and entries 命令, 詔書, 詔勅, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
