Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 朝令暮改
Reading:
Voice sample:
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.
日本語で読む
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.
日本語で読む
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”).<br>• Often used critically toward policy or leadership.
日本語で読む
• 方針や規則が一貫せず頻繁に変わることを示す「〜を下す」「〜を繰り返す」（例：「朝令暮改を繰り返す」）。<br>• 政策や組織運営を批判する際に多く使われる。
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.
日本語で読む
ただの迅速な決定ではなく、一貫性がなく頻繁に変わる指示や方針を批判的に述べる表現である点に注意。
Example
Example 1Basic 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.
Example 2Applied 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.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「朝令暮改」 mean?