命令する

• Reading: めいれいする
• Romaji: meirei suru
• Kanji breakdown: 命 (mei) — life, order, command; 令 (rei) — command, rule
• Pronunciation: /meː.ɾeː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To order; to command; to direct. Used when giving authoritative instructions that must be followed.

A する verb formed from the noun 命令 (order/command). Implies a hierarchical relationship where the speaker has authority over the listener. Used in military, organisational, and parental contexts. The grammatical term 命令形 (meireikei) refers to the imperative form of Japanese verbs.

Examples

1. 上司は部下に残業するよう命令した。 The boss ordered the subordinates to work overtime.
2. 誰かに命令されるのが嫌いだ。 I hate being ordered around by someone.
3. 隊長は全員に撤退を命令している。 The captain is ordering everyone to retreat.

Usage Guide

Context: military, workplace, authority

Tone: authoritative

Origin & History

Compound of 命 (mei, life/fate/order) and 令 (rei, command/rule). Together they mean an authoritative directive — a command with the weight of one's authority behind it.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal