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.
Referring to an imperial decree in historical dramas, literature, or fantasy settings, often with a sense of ancient authority.
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.
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.
詔が発せられ、全国に布告された。
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.
明治憲法下では、勅令が法律と同等の効力を持っていた。
Under the Meiji Constitution, imperial ordinances had the same effect as laws.
A written imperial decree or rescript, often used for important state documents.
詔書が読み上げられ、国民に伝えられた。
The imperial rescript was read aloud and conveyed to the people.
An imperial command or decree, often used in historical or fictional narratives to convey a direct order from the emperor.
勅命により、将軍はただちに出陣した。
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.
聖旨に背くことは許されない。
Disobeying the imperial decree is not permitted.
A grand imperial decree, often used in historical or ceremonial contexts to refer to a particularly important proclamation.
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.