服従せよ
fukujū seyo
The English phrase "obey me" is translated into Japanese as 服従せよ (fukujū seyo).
This phrase is a command used to tell someone to submit to your authority and do exactly what you say. It is most commonly encountered in dramatic contexts, such as in fiction, anime or games, where a powerful character is issuing a command.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The command form ending in -せよ is highly authoritative, archaic or literary and is not used in polite daily conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
fukujū seyo
Did you know?
- While 服従 means 'obedience', the character 服 also means 'clothing', reflecting the ancient idea of 'wearing' or 'putting on' a subservient role.
- The command せよ is a form of the imperative that appears in the Japanese Imperial Rescript, making it a style associated with the absolute authority of an Emperor.
- Using 服従せよ in a real-life social setting, such as a workplace or a classroom, would sound like a villain in a theatrical play or a fantasy anime.
Examples in context
- 私の命令に服従せよ。Watashi no meirei ni fukuju seyo.Obey my command.
- 王に服従せよ。Ou ni fukuju seyo.Obey the king.
- 己の意志を捨て、私に服従せよ。Onore no ishi o sute, watashi ni fukuju seyo.Discard your own will and obey me.
Example conversation
A dramatic roleplay during a game.
- 大翔 Hirotoさあ、私に服従せよ！sā, watashi ni fukujū seyo!Now, obey me!
- 美咲 Misakiそんなことしませんよ。sonna koto shimasen yo.I won't do that.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいから服従せよ！ii kara fukujū seyo!Just obey me!
- 美咲 Misaki大翔さん、やりすぎです。daishō-san, yarisugi desu.Daisho, you're taking this too far.
