Translation guide
The English word "edict" refers to an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several terms that differ by historical context, formality, and the type of authority involved.
A formal order issued by a government, monarch, or high authority, often with legal force.
Specifically an imperial edict, historically used for orders issued by the Emperor of Japan. Still used in historical or formal contexts.
天皇は勅令を発布した。
The Emperor issued an edict.
An imperial rescript or edict, often in written form. More formal and ceremonial than 勅令.
詔書が読み上げられた。
The imperial edict was read aloud.
A proclamation or official announcement, often by a government. Can be used for modern official notices.
政府は緊急事態の布告を出した。
The government issued an edict of emergency.
A general term for an order or command. Can be used in legal, military, or everyday contexts. Less formal than 勅令.
裁判所はその命令を下した。
The court issued an edict.
Laws and ordinances; a collective term for legal statutes. Can be used when "edict" refers to a body of laws.
新しい法令が施行された。
A new edict was enacted.
A strong, often arbitrary order from someone in power, not necessarily governmental.
An official notice or directive, often from a superior or organization. Polite and somewhat formal.
社長からお達しがあった。
There was an edict from the company president.
A directive or command, often used in organizational or military contexts.
Instructions or directions, often with a nuance of bossiness. Can be used for personal edicts.
Can sound negative, implying bossy or unwanted orders.
勅令 is specifically an imperial edict from the Emperor, while 布告 is a broader proclamation by any government authority. Use 勅令 only in historical contexts related to the Japanese imperial system.
The English word "edict" often carries a dramatic or archaic tone. In modern Japanese, simply using 命令 or お達し is more natural unless referring to historical imperial decrees.
リモートワークに関する会社のお達しに皆驚いた。
The company's new edict on remote work surprised everyone.
modern workplace context
We acted according to the edict from headquarters.
彼はいつも指図ばかりする。
He's always issuing edicts.