A1 noun Neutral #2,552 most common

命令

meirei /meːɾeː/

A command or order given by a person in authority to a subordinate. It implies that the person receiving the command is expected to follow it without question.

Examples

3 of 5
1

お母さんの命令で、部屋を掃除しました。

By my mother's order, I cleaned the room.

2

社長が新しい命令を出しました。

The president issued a new order.

3

彼の命令はもう聞きたくない。

I don't want to listen to his orders anymore.

Word Family

Noun
命令
Verb
命令する
Adverb
命令的に
Adjective
命令的な
Related
命令書
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Mayor' (Mei) who has the 'Ray' (rei) of authority to give orders to the city.

Quick Quiz

上司の___に従わなければなりません。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 命令

Examples

1

お母さんの命令で、部屋を掃除しました。

everyday

By my mother's order, I cleaned the room.

2

社長が新しい命令を出しました。

formal

The president issued a new order.

3

彼の命令はもう聞きたくない。

informal

I don't want to listen to his orders anymore.

4

そのプログラムは、特定の命令で動きます。

academic

The program operates on specific commands.

5

部長の命令により、プロジェクトを中止します。

business

According to the manager's order, we are stopping the project.

Word Family

Noun
命令
Verb
命令する
Adverb
命令的に
Adjective
命令的な
Related
命令書

Common Collocations

命令を下す to issue an order
命令に従う to obey an order
命令に背く to disobey an order
命令を実行する to execute a command
絶対命令 an absolute order

Common Phrases

命令系統

chain of command

命令形

imperative form (grammar)

待機命令

standby order

Often Confused With

命令 vs 指示

Shiji refers to general instructions or directions, whereas Meirei is a forceful command that must be followed.

📝

Usage Notes

Meirei is used when there is a clear hierarchical difference, such as military, police, or strict boss-employee relationships. Using it with friends or equals can sound very aggressive or rude.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'meirei' when they want to ask someone to do something politely; in those cases, use 'onegai' or 'shiji' instead.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Mayor' (Mei) who has the 'Ray' (rei) of authority to give orders to the city.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Chinese, combining '命' (life/fate/command) and '令' (order/decree).

Grammar Patterns

Noun + する to form a verb (命令する) Can be followed by particles like に (to follow/obey) or を (to give/receive)
🌍

Cultural Context

In Japan's vertical society, following orders from superiors is a deeply ingrained social expectation, particularly in traditional companies.

Quick Quiz

上司の___に従わなければなりません。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 命令

Related Phrases

Related Words

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革命

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A fundamental and sudden change in political power or social structure, often involving a shift in governance. It also refers to a major, transformative shift in technology, thought, or a specific field that completely alters how things are done.

維持

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The act of keeping something in its current state, condition, or level over a period of time. It is commonly used to describe the maintenance of health, systems, relationships, or the status quo.

縮小

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The act of reducing the size, scale, or scope of something. It is commonly used when talking about downsizing operations, shrinking digital images, or narrowing the range of a project.

契約

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A legally binding agreement between two or more parties that specifies terms and conditions. It is commonly used for mobile phones, apartment rentals, and employment agreements.

取引

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A transaction or business deal involving the exchange of money, goods, or services. It refers to the process of doing business with another party or making a trade.

借金

A1

A sum of money that is borrowed from a person or an institution and is expected to be paid back. It refers to the state of owing money or the specific amount of debt accumulated.

予算

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賃金

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Chingin refers to the money paid to a worker in exchange for labor or services, similar to wages. It is frequently used in formal, legal, and economic contexts, particularly when discussing minimum wage or labor statistics.

降格

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A noun or verb that describes a reduction in rank, status, or position within an organization or sports league. It is most commonly used when a worker is moved to a lower job title or when a sports team is moved to a lower division due to poor performance.

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