詔 (zhào) - Imperial edict, decree, proclamation — an official order

詔Tone 4

zhào ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

詔 · zhào

Imperial edict, decree, proclamation — an official order or announcement issued by an emperor or monarch.

Imperial edict, decree, proclamation — an official order

Usage highlights

Imperial edictIssue an edictImperial commandAnnounce to the worldEdict of abdicationForgiveness edict

Synonyms

  • 令— command, order
  • 旨— imperial decree
  • 敕— imperial order

Antonyms

  • 請— request, petition
  • 奏— memorial to the throne

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The emperor issued an imperial edict (下詔).
  • This was recorded in the imperial decrees (詔書).
  • He received the emperor's proclamation (詔令).
  • The imperial command was announced throughout the land (詔告天下).

Collocations

  • Imperial edict(詔書)
  • Issue an edict(下詔)
  • Imperial command(詔令)
  • Announce to the world(詔告天下)
  • Edict of abdication(退位詔書)
  • Forgiveness edict(大赦詔)

Idioms

  • The emperor's word is law(金口玉言，詔令如山)
  • To receive the imperial command(奉詔行事)
  • The edict cannot be disobeyed(詔令不可違)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In imperial China, 詔 referred specifically to documents issued by the emperor, carrying the highest authority.
  • Edicts were typically written on yellow silk and bore the imperial seal, making them legally binding throughout the empire.
  • The issuance of an imperial edict was a major ceremonial event, often announced with great pomp and circumstance.

FAQ