命じる

• Reading: めいじる
• Romaji: meijiru
• Kanji breakdown: 命 (mei) — life, command, decree, destiny
• Pronunciation: /meː.dʑi.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To order; to command; to appoint. A formal verb for giving authoritative instructions.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb. Used in formal or literary contexts for issuing commands, decrees, or appointments. Common patterns include 出頭を命じる (to order someone to appear), 転勤を命じる (to order a transfer). More formal and authoritative than 命令する. Often appears in legal, military, or corporate contexts.

Examples

1. 裁判所が会社に賠償を命じた。 The court ordered the company to pay compensation.
2. 上司が部下に残業を命じるのは普通のことだった。 It was normal for bosses to order their subordinates to work overtime.
3. 社長が彼に海外支店の責任者を命じた。 The company president appointed him as the head of the overseas branch.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, military, corporate

Tone: authoritative

Origin & History

From the kanji 命 (mei, life/command). Originally meant to bestow a mandate from heaven. The verb form adds じる to create an action of issuing a decree.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Authority figures