违约

• Pinyin: wéi yuē
• Hanzi breakdown: 违 = 辶 (walk) + 韦 (phonetic) — to go against; 约 = 糸 (silk/thread) + 勺 (phonetic) — a binding agreement, constraint

Meaning

To breach a contract; to break an agreement; breach of contract (noun). Failing to fulfil the terms of a formal or informal agreement.

Used in legal, business, and commercial contexts. 违约责任 (liability for breach of contract), 违约金 (liquidated damages / penalty clause), 单方面违约 (unilateral breach). Can also refer to breaking informal agreements or commitments. Distinct from 违规 (violating rules/regulations) and 违法 (breaking the law).

Examples

1. 由于资金周转出现问题，供应商单方面违约，导致整个工程被迫暂停。 Due to cash-flow problems, the supplier unilaterally breached the contract, forcing the entire project to a halt.
2. 合同中明确规定，如有一方违约，须向对方支付相应的违约金。 The contract clearly stipulates that if either party breaches, they must pay the other party the corresponding liquidated damages.
3. 他们以对方违约为由，向仲裁机构提出了正式的索赔申请。 They filed a formal claim with the arbitration body on the grounds that the other party had breached the contract.

Usage Guide

Context: law, business, contracts

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 对方无故拖延交货，已构成违约，我方有权要求赔偿。(The other party's unjustified delay in delivery constitutes a breach of contract — we are entitled to claim compensation.)
• 一旦违约，双方都将付出相当大的经济代价，务必谨慎对待合同条款。(Once a breach occurs, both sides will pay a considerable financial price — the contract terms must be treated with great care.)

Don't Say

• 将违约与毁约、爽约混淆 — 违约 is the formal/legal term for breach of contract; 爽约 means failing to keep a social appointment; 毁约 emphasises the act of cancelling/tearing up an agreement

Origin & History

Compound of 违 (to go against, deviate — 辶 walk + 韦 phonetic) + 约 (a binding agreement, constraint — 糸 silk/thread + 勺 spoon/phonetic). Together: to act contrary to a binding agreement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal