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命令 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
命令mìnglìngorderHSK 6, n, rank #965, Hard
命令mìnglìngcommandHSK 6, n, rank #965, Hard
命令mìnglìng>个[gè]HSK 6, n, rank #965, Hard
mìnglìng(ming4ling4) T4
  1. 1order
  2. 2command
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
命令mìnglìng(ming4ling4)

命令 (mìnglìng) means an order or command given to someone, often in a formal context such as military or organizational settings. It conveys authority and the expectation of compliance, highlighting its use in hierarchical relationships. Commonly, it is used in situations where instructions are issued that must be followed.

Frequency#965DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, following orders and respecting hierarchy is deeply ingrained, especially in workplaces and educational institutions. The concept of 命令 reflects traditional values of obedience and authority.

Memory Tip

Imagine a general issuing a command (命令) to troops. The character 命 (mìng) looks like a mouth (口) and a destiny (命), as if ordering fate itself. The sound 'ling' can be remembered by thinking of 'linking' orders together—a chain of commands.

Meanings of 命令

mìnglìng(ming4ling4)
1order
2command
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 命令

命令Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#965Frequency Rank
道Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2

Podcast: 命令

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Podcast: 命令

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AI Study Notes for 命令

Quick Contrast

指令 (zhǐlìng) - use 指令 for more technical or procedural instructions, while 命令 emphasizes authority and command in a hierarchical context.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a general issuing a command (命令) to troops. The character 命 (mìng) looks like a mouth (口) and a destiny (命), as if ordering fate itself. The sound 'ling' can be remembered by thinking of 'linking' orders together—a chain of commands.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 命令, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning. It is generally used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '发布命令' (to issue an order) and '遵守命令' (to obey commands).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 命令 connects well with other words related to authority and control, such as 指示 (zhǐshì, instruction) and 要求 (yāoqiú, demand). Focus on understanding its usage in both written and spoken forms to enhance your communication skills.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, following orders and respecting hierarchy is deeply ingrained, especially in workplaces and educational institutions. The concept of 命令 reflects traditional values of obedience and authority.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 命令 with other similar words like 订单 (dìngdān, order for goods). For example, saying '我需要一个命令' (Wǒ xūyào yī gè mìnglìng) instead of '我需要一个订单' (Wǒ xūyào yī gè dìngdān) can lead to misunderstandings.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 命令

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Component Characters

命mìnglife
HSK 58 strokes口
View full entry
令lìngclassifier for a ream of paper
HSK 55 strokes人
View full entry

Write 命令

命
令

Practice writing 命令 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 命令

命令 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Related grammar lessons1
Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

接到____后，部队即刻出发。

Upon receiving orders, the troops departed immediately.

Example Sentences for 命令 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
“上你自己的车，跟在我后面。”他命令道。

“ “ shàng nǐ zì jǐ de， chē ， gēn zài wǒ。” hòu miàn 。” tā。

"Get in your car and follow me," he com-manded.
2
你必须输入命令,例如“帮助”或“打印”.

nǐ bì xū shū rù mìng líng, , lì“ rú “” bāng“ zhù ””.

You have to type in commands, such as "help" and "print"
3
他命令他们把几个枕头叠放在自己的背后。

tā mìng líng tā mén bǎ jī gè zhěn tóu dié fàng zài zì jǐ de bèi hòu。

He ordered them to stack up pillows behind his back.
4
上校命令道：“尽快给我找两台性能好的发动机来。”

shàng xiào mìng líng dào：“ ：“ jìn kuài gěi wǒ zhǎo liǎng tái xìng néng hǎo de fā dòng jī。”

The colonel ordered, "I want two good engines down here asap."
5
“很好，”我用干脆的命令性的语气说道。

“ “ hěn，” hǎo ，” wǒ yòng gān cuì de mìng líng xìng de yǔ qì。

"Very well," I said, adopting a crisp authoritative tone.
6
他们被命令抬走伤员，丢下死者。

tā mén bèi mìng líng tái zǒu shāng yuán， ， diū xià sǐ。

They were told to carry their wounded and leave their dead.
7
“上楼回你的房间去。现在就去！”他命令他道。

“ “ shàng lóu huí nǐ de fáng jiān。 qù 。 xiàn zài！” jiù qù ！” tā mìng。

"Go up to your room. Now," he ordered him.
8
他命令军队无论如何也要夺回营地。

tā mìng líng jūn duì wú lùn rú hé yě yào duó huí yíng dì。

He ordered the army to recapture the camp at any cost.
9
主任盛气凌人地走进来, 查问是谁违背了他的命令.

zhǔ rèn shèng qì líng rén dì zǒu jìn lái, , chá wèn shì shuí wéi bèi le tā de mìng.

The director sailed in, demanding to know who had disobeyed his orders.
10
谁也不能命令我非住哪儿不可!

shuí yě bù néng mìng líng wǒ fēi zhù nǎ ér bù kě!

No one is going to dictate to me where to live!

Cultural Notes for 命令

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, following orders and respecting hierarchy is deeply ingrained, especially in workplaces and educational institutions. The concept of 命令 reflects traditional values of obedience and authority.

Frequently Asked Questions about 命令

It's generally too formal for casual conversation; it's better suited for formal or authoritative contexts.