Japanese meaning of 朝令暮改
Reading:
ちょうれいぼかい (chōrei bokai)
English Translation:
Frequent changes in policy or rules.
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Frequent changes in policy or rules.
法令や方針が頻繁に変わること。
Cultural Context:
From Chinese political history, where laws announced in the morning were changed by evening. In modern Japanese, often used critically.
中国の政治史に由来し、朝に出した法令を夕方には改めるという故事から。現代日本語では批判的に使われることが多い。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “を下す” or “を行う” to describe inconsistent rule changes (“朝令暮改を繰り返す”).
• Often used critically toward policy or leadership.
Trap for English Speakers
Might be taken to mean any quick decision, but it specifically refers to inconsistent or frequently changing orders, often used critically.
Example
Basic Example
彼の指示は朝令暮改で、部下は混乱している。
His orders change from morning to evening, leaving subordinates confused.
Applied Example
昨日の方針が今日には変わる。まさに朝令暮改だ。
Yesterday’s policy was changed today — truly orders in the morning, changes by evening.