Translation guide
How to express 'give an order' in Japanese, from direct commands to polite requests, depending on the relationship and context.
Give an order (direct, authoritative)
Formal, hierarchical
Tell someone to do something (everyday)
Neutral, common
To issue a direct, authoritative order, often in hierarchical settings like the military, workplace, or by a parent.
The most direct equivalent, meaning 'to order' or 'to command'. Used in formal, hierarchical contexts.
The boss gives orders to subordinates.
The general ordered the soldiers to attack.
A slightly more formal or literary synonym for 命令する. Often used in official or dramatic contexts.
Means 'to give instructions' or 'to issue directives'. Softer than 命令する, common in business settings.
To tell someone to do something in a casual or everyday context, like a parent to a child or among friends.
To give an order in a polite or formal way, such as in customer service or when speaking to a superior.
The standard polite request form. While not a direct 'order', it functions as giving an instruction politely.
To give an order that has legal or official force, such as a court order or government directive.
While 命令する is the direct translation, it can sound overly harsh or military-like in everyday situations. In most cases, Japanese uses softer expressions like 指示を出す (give instructions) or 〜ように言う (tell to do).
I gave him an order. (sounds very authoritative)
王が家来に命じた。
The king gave an order to his retainer.
The department head gave instructions for the project.
My mother told me to clean my room.
Please tell him to come early.
A command form used by parents or teachers to children. Softer than the imperative form but still direct.
Do your homework. (giving an order)
The imperative form of verbs (e.g., 行け, 食べろ). Very direct and can be rude; used in emergencies, by superiors, or in male casual speech.
Can sound extremely rude if used inappropriately. Avoid unless you are very familiar with the person or in a clear hierarchical relationship.
Go quickly! (rough order)
Please sign here. (giving an order politely)
A very polite way to ask someone to do something, often used in service situations. Literally 'Could I receive the favor of you doing...'
Could you please wait a moment? (polite order)
The noun form meaning 'order' or 'command'. Used in legal and official contexts.
The court issued an order.
Often used for directives or orders from a central authority, like a government or headquarters.
The government issued an evacuation order.
彼にそうするように言った。
I told him to do so. (more natural in daily conversation)
命令する implies a strong, non-negotiable command, often in a strict hierarchy. 指示する means 'to instruct' or 'to direct' and is more common in business or educational settings where there is some expectation of compliance but not absolute authority.
The boss orders the subordinate. (implies strict hierarchy)
The boss gives instructions to the subordinate. (more collaborative tone)