下令

xiàlìng

verb HSK 7-9 #5,849

Meanings

To issue a command.

总统下令撤军。

Zǒngtǒng xiàlìng chèjūn.

The president ordered a troop withdrawal.

政府下令禁止出口。

Zhèngfǔ xiàlìng jìnzhǐ chūkǒu.

The government ordered a ban on exports.

将军下令进攻。

Jiāngjūn xiàlìng jìngōng.

The general ordered an attack.

usage

下令 implies authority - it's used for leaders, governments, or military commanders. For everyday requests, use 要求 or 吩咐 instead.

下 xià

令 lìng