Translation guide
An official order or proclamation issued by an emperor. In Japanese contexts, this typically refers to historical or formal edicts from the Emperor of Japan.
A formal written or spoken command issued by an emperor, often with legal or ceremonial weight.
The standard term for an imperial decree or edict, especially in historical and legal contexts. Often used in compounds.
天皇の勅により、新しい法律が公布された。
A new law was promulgated by imperial decree.
An imperial decree or edict, often used in classical or historical contexts. Can also be read as しょう in compounds.
An imperial decree was issued and proclaimed throughout the country.
Specifically refers to an imperial ordinance or decree with legal force, often used in the context of the Meiji Constitution.
Under the Meiji Constitution, imperial ordinances had the same effect as laws.
A written imperial decree or rescript, often used for important state documents.
The imperial rescript was read aloud and conveyed to the people.
Referring to an imperial decree in historical dramas, literature, or fantasy settings, often with a sense of ancient authority.
An imperial command or decree, often used in historical or fictional narratives to convey a direct order from the emperor.
By imperial decree, the general immediately set out for battle.
The emperor's will or decree, often used in formal or literary contexts to emphasize the sacred nature of the command.
A grand imperial decree, often used in historical or ceremonial contexts to refer to a particularly important proclamation.
In modern Japan, the Emperor does not issue legally binding decrees. Terms like 勅令 are historical. For a modern government order, use 政令 (government ordinance) or 命令 (order).
Both mean imperial decree, but 勅 is more common in legal/historical compounds, while 詔 (みことのり) has a more classical, literary feel and is often used for spoken proclamations.
Disobeying the imperial decree is not permitted.
大詔が発せられ、国中が祝賀に包まれた。
A grand imperial decree was issued, and the whole country was filled with celebration.