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.
注文をお願いします。
I'd like to order, please.
ピザを注文した。
I ordered a pizza.
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.
The way things are placed or happen in relation to each other.
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.
日本語を勉強するために日本に行った。
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.
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.
合格するために勉強する。
Study in order to pass. (controllable)
合格できるように祈る。
Pray so that I can pass. (less controllable)
オーダーはお決まりですか？
Have you decided on your order?
Did you order already?
ラーメンを頼もう。
Let's order ramen.
A direct command or order, often from a superior. Can sound strong.
上司が命令を出した。
The boss gave an order.
命令に従ってください。
Please follow the orders.
Instructions or directions, often more detailed and less forceful than 命令.
先生の指示を聞いてください。
Please listen to the teacher's instructions.
A polite but firm command form, often used by parents or teachers.
宿題をしなさい。
Do your homework. (order)
Order as in turn or sequence. Very common in daily life.
順番を待ってください。
Please wait for your turn.
名前の順番はアルファベット順です。
The order of names is alphabetical.
Order as a systematic sequence or procedure. Slightly more formal.
手順の順序を間違えないでください。
Don't get the order of steps wrong.
Tidying up, putting things in order. Focuses on neatness.
部屋を整理する。
To put the room in order.
Describes something being in good order, well-arranged, or neat.
この部屋はきちんと整っている。
This room is in good order.
忘れないようにメモした。
I took a note in order not to forget.
A religious order, such as monastic orders.
イエズス会はカトリックの修道会です。
The Jesuits are a Catholic religious order.