Translation guide
The English word "bidding" can refer to making an offer in an auction, issuing a command, or following someone's orders. This guide covers the most common ways to express these ideas in Japanese, focusing on natural usage for learners.
Expressing the act of placing a bid in an auction or competitive sale.
The standard noun and suru-verb for bidding in auctions or tenders. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
彼はオークションで絵画に入札した。
He bid on a painting at the auction.
入札は明日締め切られます。
Bidding closes tomorrow.
Literally 'attach a price,' used in auction settings to mean placing a bid. Slightly more colloquial than 入札.
誰もその品に値を付けなかった。
No one bid on that item.
Verb meaning 'to bid' or 'to compete in bidding.' Often used in the context of auctions, but less common than 入札.
骨董品が高く競られた。
The antiques were bid up high.
Expressing the act of telling someone to do something, often with authority.
Noun and suru-verb meaning 'command' or 'order.' Used in formal, military, or authoritative contexts.
彼は部下に命令を下した。
He gave orders to his subordinates.
彼女の命令でプロジェクトが始まった。
The project started at her bidding.
Refers to a command or order, often from a parent or superior. Carries a nuance of a personal directive.
Means 'direction' or 'instruction,' often used when someone is giving orders or managing a situation. Can imply bossiness.
Expressing the idea of doing what someone else wants, often phrased as 'at someone's bidding' or 'do someone's bidding.'
Means to do exactly as someone says, often with a negative connotation of being subservient.
彼は妻の言いなりになっている。
He does his wife's bidding.
Literally 'move as one wishes,' used to describe acting completely under someone's control or influence.
彼は上司の意のままに動いている。
He acts at his boss's bidding.
A straightforward way to say 'follow orders' or 'obey commands.' More neutral than 言いなりになる.
兵士は命令に従った。
The soldiers did their commander's bidding.
The English phrase 'do someone's bidding' is idiomatic. Direct translations like '誰かの入札をする' are incorrect. Use phrases like 言いなりになる or 命令に従う depending on context.
子供は親の言いつけを守るべきだ。
Children should obey their parents' bidding.
He hates taking orders from others.