1.
to order, to command
To give an official order or instruction.
部下に仕事を命じる。
To order a subordinate to do a task.
社長に命じられた。
I was ordered by the company president.
裁判所が立ち退きを命じた。
The court ordered an eviction.
2.
to appoint
To assign someone to a position.
転勤を命じられた。
I was ordered to transfer.
新しい役職を命じられる。
To be appointed to a new position.
大臣に命じられて、特別委員会の委員長に就任した。
Having been appointed by the minister, I assumed the chairmanship of the special committee.
命じる is a formal verb meaning 'to order' or 'to command,' used in official or hierarchical contexts.
CONJUGATION:
- 命じます (polite)
- 命じない (negative)
- 命じて (te-form)
- 命じられる (passive: to be ordered)
ALTERNATE FORM:
- 命ずる (classical/literary variant)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 〜に〜を命じる: to order someone to do something
- 〜を命じられる: to be ordered to ~
SIMILAR WORDS (less formal → more formal):
- 頼む: to ask, request
- 指示する: to instruct
- 命令する: to order (noun + suru)
- 命じる: to command (most formal)
USAGE:
Primarily used in business, military, or official contexts where clear hierarchy exists.