obey an order; comply with a request
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to obey an order; to comply with a request
formalA polite and somewhat formal expression indicating compliance. Often used in response to a superior, elder, or host. The phrase '恭敬不如从命' is a common idiom meaning 'To refuse would be less polite than to comply.'
Jì既
rán然
nín您
shèng盛
qíng情
yāo邀
qǐng请
，
nà那
wǒ我
jiù就
gōng恭
jìng敬
bù不
rú如
cóng从
mìng命
le了
。
Since you've extended such a warm invitation, it would be impolite of me to refuse (lit. deference is not as good as compliance).
Zhǔ主
rén人
yī一
zài再
quàn劝
jiǔ酒
，
kè客
rén人
zhǐ只
hǎo好
xīn欣
rán然
cóng从
mìng命
。
The host kept urging him to drink, so the guest had no choice but to gladly comply.
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Zhǎng长
zhě者
yǒu有
lìng令
，
wǎn晚
bèi辈
zì自
dāng当
cóng从
mìng命
。
When an elder gives an order, the younger generation naturally must obey.