Definition

1. Verb:
   • To order; to command; to dictate: "Lịnh" means to give an official or authoritative instruction that must be obeyed. It is a dialectal variant of the standard word "lệnh".

Usage

• As a verb: "Lịnh" is used to describe the action of issuing a command, typically by someone in authority. It is considered a dialectal form and is less common in formal, modern Standard Vietnamese, where "lệnh" is preferred.
  • Tôi được lịnh ở lại đây. (I have orders to remain here.)
  • Vị tướng lịnh cho quân đội tiến công. (The general commanded the army to attack.)

Advanced Usage

• "Hạ lịnh": to issue an order/command (a formal, somewhat archaic phrase).
  • Nhà vua hạ lịnh ân xá cho tù nhân. (The king issued an order to pardon the prisoners.)
• "Ra lịnh": to give an order.
  • Người chỉ huy ra lịnh rút quân. (The commander gave the order to retreat.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lệnh (n, v): The standard and more common form meaning "order; command". It can be both a noun ("mệnh lệnh" - command) and a verb ("ra lệnh" - to order).
• Mệnh lệnh (n): Command, directive (more formal).
• Chỉ thị (n): Directive, instruction.
• Ra lệnh (phrasal verb): To give an order.

Synonyms

• Ra lệnh: to order, to command.
• Chỉ huy: to command, to lead (often in a military context).
• Yêu cầu: to request (less authoritative than "lịnh").

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Tuân theo lịnh: to obey an order.
  • Binh lính phải tuân theo lịnh của cấp trên. (Soldiers must obey the orders of their superiors.)
• Truyền lịnh: to relay/convey an order.
  • Viên sĩ quan truyền lịnh từ tổng hành dinh. (The officer relayed the order from headquarters.)

Related Idioms

• Lịnh như sơn: (Orders are as firm as a mountain) - Meaning orders are absolute and unchangeable.
  • Mệnh lệnh của vua là lịnh như sơn, không ai được phép cãi. (The king's command is absolute; no one is allowed to dispute it.)
• Trên bảo dưới không nghe, chẳng còn phép lịnh gì: (If the superior orders and the subordinate doesn't listen, there is no more authority) - Describes a breakdown of discipline and chain of command.

verb

1. to order; to command; to dictate
   • tôi được lịnh ở lại đây
     I have orders to remain here
   • lịnh đặc biệt
     special order