Translation guide
The English word "order" covers many distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical categories for learners, from placing an order to giving commands, arranging things, and more.
Requesting something to be made, delivered, or provided, such as at a restaurant or online.
The most common word for ordering food, drinks, or goods. Used as a noun or with する.
I'd like to order, please.
Loanword from English, common in restaurants and fashion (made-to-order). Slightly more casual or trendy feel.
Means 'to ask for' or 'to request'. Very common in casual speech for ordering or asking someone to do something.
Telling someone to do something, often with authority.
A direct command or order, often from a superior. Can sound strong.
The way things are placed or happen in relation to each other.
Order as in turn or sequence. Very common in daily life.
A condition where rules are obeyed and things are functioning properly.
Social or public order, often used in formal contexts like 'law and order'.
Expressing the purpose of an action.
Attach to verb plain form to mean 'in order to'. Very common.
A group or organization, often with a special purpose or rank.
注文 is only for ordering items or services. For giving a command, use 命令 or 指示.
ために is used when the subject has control over the outcome. ように is often used for potential, negative, or uncontrollable results.
Study in order to pass. (controllable)
I ordered a pizza.
オーダーはお決まりですか？
Have you decided on your order?
Did you order already?
Let's order ramen.
The boss gave an order.
Please follow the orders.
Instructions or directions, often more detailed and less forceful than 命令.
Please listen to the teacher's instructions.
A polite but firm command form, often used by parents or teachers.
Do your homework. (order)
Please wait for your turn.
The order of names is alphabetical.
Order as a systematic sequence or procedure. Slightly more formal.
Don't get the order of steps wrong.
Tidying up, putting things in order. Focuses on neatness.
To put the room in order.
To maintain order.
Public order.
Describes something being in good order, well-arranged, or neat.
This room is in good order.
I went to Japan in order to study Japanese.
Similar to ために, but often used with potential or negative forms, or when the result is less directly controlled.
I took a note in order not to forget.
A religious order, such as monastic orders.
The Jesuits are a Catholic religious order.
An order of knights, like the Knights Templar.
The Order of the Knights Templar.
合格できるように祈る。
Pray so that I can pass. (less controllable)