様に言う
To tell, request, or order to do (in such a way)
Structure
(1) 頼む、命じる
Explanation
The expression ようにいう is formed by joining the auxiliary verb ようだ with the う-Verb 言う. It is used to express that someone is told to do something, or to act in a particular manner. In order to modify the verb 言う, ようだ must be in its adverbial form, ように.
- お母さんは子供に、野菜をちゃんと食べるように言う。The mother tells her child to eat their vegetables. (To tell them in a way that 'eating vegetables' is the desired outcome)
- 店長はアルバイトに仕事に遅れないように言う。The manager told the part-timer not to be late for work. (To tell them in a way that 'not being late' is the goal)
Because ようにいう conveys the idea of 'telling someone to do something', it is frequently translated as 'to tell', 'to request', or 'to order'. When making a request, 頼む can be used in place of 言う. Similarly, for giving a command, 命じる can be used.
- これは秘密だから、誰にも話さないように頼むよ。This is a secret, so I request that you don't tell anyone.
- キャプテンは選手たちに、練習を休まないように命じる。The captain will order the players not to skip practice.
Of these three verbs, 言う is the most flexible, as its meaning can range from a simple request to a firm command. The exact nuance is usually understood from the speaker's tone of voice and the context of the situation.
Examples
友達にノートを貸してくれるように頼んだ。
I asked my friend to lend me their notes. (in such a way)
危ないから、息子にはストーブに触らないように言った。
Because it's dangerous, I told my son not to touch the stove. (In such a way)
上司にこの書類をコピーするように頼まれました。
I was requested by my boss to make copies of these documents. (In such a way)
医者に毎食後、薬を飲むように言われた。
I was told by the doctor to take my medicine after every meal. (In such a way)
彼女に、もっと静かにするように言った。
I told her to be a little quieter. (In such a way)
明日の会議に遅れないように頼むよ。
I'm requesting that you not be late for tomorrow's meeting. (in such a way)
外は寒いから、子供たちに上着を着るように言いました。
Because it is cold outside, I told the children to put on their jackets. (In such a way)
田中さんにケーキを持ってきてもらうように頼んだから、私たちは買わなくていいよ。
I asked Tanaka-san to bring a cake, so we don't have to buy one. (In such a way)
部屋を出るときは電気を消すように言ったのに、また忘れたの？
I told you to turn off the lights when you leave the room, but you forgot again? (In such a way)
隣の人に、旅行中、猫の世話をするように頼まれた。
I was asked by my neighbor to look after their cat while they're on vacation. (In such a way)
新しいスタッフには、朝9時に来るように伝えておきます。
I will tell the new staff member to arrive at 9 AM. (In such a way)
このパソコンを貸してあげるから、絶対に壊さないように頼むよ。
I'll lend you this laptop, but I'm asking you to use it in a way that you absolutely don't break it.