Meanings of 下令
By ear
Play it, then pick what 下令 means.
About 下令
Podcast: 下令
Podcast: 下令
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 下令
命令 (mìnglìng) - use 下令 (xiàlìng) when emphasizing the act of issuing an order, while 命令 (mìnglìng) can refer more broadly to the order itself.
Be cautious with the tone; '下令' is typically used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '下令执行' (to order execution) and '下令停止' (to order a halt). Remember that the context of authority is crucial when using this term.
While '下令' may not appear directly in HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of authority-related language. Focus on the characters: '下' (down) and '令' (command) as they often appear in formal language structures in HSK materials.
Learners often confuse '下令' with '命令' (mìnglìng), thinking they are interchangeable. While both mean 'to command', '下令' implies a more formal directive. For instance, saying '我下命令' (wǒ xià mìnglìng) is incorrect; it should be '我下令'.
Pronunciation of 下令
Drill the tone of 下令, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 下令 to you
Let me explain 下令 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 下令 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 下令?
Learning Lab
Knowing 下令 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say to give an order in Chinese
“to give an order” in Chinese is下令
下令 (xiàlìng) means 'to give an order' or 'to command' in Mandarin. This term is commonly used in military or authoritative contexts where someone in a position of power issues directives to subordinates. It conveys a sense of authority and expectation for compliance.
When to use 下令
Be cautious with the tone; '下令' is typically used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '下令执行' (to order execution) and '下令停止' (to order a halt). Remember that the context of authority is crucial when using this term.
下令 or something close to it
命令 (mìnglìng) - use 下令 (xiàlìng) when emphasizing the act of issuing an order, while 命令 (mìnglìng) can refer more broadly to the order itself.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '下令' with '命令' (mìnglìng), thinking they are interchangeable. While both mean 'to command', '下令' implies a more formal directive. For instance, saying '我下命令' (wǒ xià mìnglìng) is incorrect; it should be '我下令'.
Write 下令
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 下令 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 下令?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 下令
No, '下令' is typically reserved for formal or authoritative contexts, such as military commands.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 下令?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.