The bodyguard Yoko-chan maintains polite language towards her employer, Jose.#

The bodyguard Yoko-chan always responds to her employer, Jose, in polite Japanese. While some expressions may seem overly polite compared to typical business etiquette, the majority are polite language expressions in Japanese that can be used comfortably in everyday conversation.

Source: Susano Hara / Sino Sakamoto, 3funyojimbo yokochan (Core Mix)

You can simultaneously acquire examples of both casual and polite Japanese conversation.#

Jose, another main character, converses with Yoko-chan in casual Japanese. By referring to the conversations between the two, readers can learn contemporary casual Japanese expressions as well as polite Japanese expressions simultaneously.

Source: Susano Hara / Sino Sakamoto, 3funyojimbo yokochan (Core Mix)

Breaking Down the Phrase#

① ご下命 (ごかめい)
・「下命 (かめい)」 comes from 「命を下す」, meaning “to issue an order” or “to give a command.”
・「ご～」 is an honorific prefix, used to show respect toward the action or the person giving the order.
・Thus, 「ご下命」 is a very formal way to refer to someone’s command or order.

② なんなりと
・「なんなり」 is a polite and somewhat old-fashioned way of saying 「何なり」, which means “anything” or “whatever it may be.”
・「と」 is a quotative particle, indicating that what follows is implied.
・ In this case, the full meaning would be something like “I will accept whatever order you give.”

Usage in Manga & Fiction#

In modern Japanese, 「ご下命をなんなりと」 is often associated with samurai, military officers, or extremely loyal retainers in period dramas (時代劇) or historical settings.

For example, in the manga scene where Yoko-chan uses this phrase when addressing Jose, it creates a dramatic, old-fashioned, and somewhat humorous effect. This is because using such a formal and exaggerated expression in a casual setting contrasts with normal speech, making the character appear overly serious or comedic.

More Common Modern Alternatives#

Examples of Modern Usage#

「この件について、ご指示をいただけますでしょうか？」
“Could you provide instructions regarding this matter?” (Polite and natural in a business setting)

「ご要望がございましたら、遠慮なくお知らせください。」
“If you have any requests, please feel free to let us know.” (Customer service, hospitality)

「部長のご命令には、全力で対応いたします。」
“I will do my best to fulfill the department manager’s orders.” (Corporate or hierarchical setting)

These alternatives maintain the politeness and respect while sounding more natural in modern-day conversations.

It’s “ヨコちゃん”, not “ヨーコちゃん”.#

This is the name of the heroine in this work and is also used in the title, “ヨコちゃん”, but when translated into English, it becomes “Yoko-chan”. From the expression “Yoko-chan”, you might get the impression of names like “陽子ちゃん”, “洋子ちゃん”, “ようこちゃん”, “ヨウコちゃん”, or “よーこちゃん”, “ヨーコちゃん”, but that’s incorrect.

In the work itself, as of the time of writing this blog, the origin of the name “ヨコちゃん” has not been revealed. To native Japanese speakers, the name “ヨコちゃん” gives the impression of affectionately calling a woman named “横沢さん” as “横ちゃん”.