noun
Refers to a directive given by someone in authority, such as a parent, teacher, or boss. Often used in the context of following or carrying out orders.
母の言いつけで買い物に行った。
I went shopping on my mother's orders.
先生の言いつけを守りなさい。
Follow the teacher's instructions.
命令 is a more formal and authoritative command, often used in military or official contexts, while 言いつけ is a softer, everyday directive from someone familiar.
指示 refers to instructions or directions, often in a work or procedural setting, and is more neutral than 言いつけ, which implies a personal authority figure.
Compound of 言い (the continuative form of 言う 'to say') + 付け (the continuative form of 付ける 'to attach'), literally 'attaching words'. The meaning evolved from 'telling someone to do something' to 'an order or command'.