协定

• Pinyin: xié dìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 协 = 十 + 办 (coordinate together); 定 = 宀 + 正 (settle)

Meaning

Agreement; accord; pact. As a verb, to reach an agreement or negotiate terms.

Formal term for agreements between parties, often used in diplomatic, legal, or business contexts. More formal than 协议 and implies binding commitments.

Examples

1. 两国签署了贸易协定。 The two countries signed a trade agreement.
2. 双方协定在年底前完成交易。 The two sides agreed to complete the deal by the end of the year.
3. 这份协定将促进区域经济合作。 This agreement will promote regional economic cooperation.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomacy, law, business

Tone: official

Do Say

• 各方已经协定好合作条款。(All parties have agreed on the terms of cooperation.)
• 国际协定需要各国议会批准。(International agreements need ratification by national parliaments.)

Don't Say

• 我们协定去看电影 — too formal; use 约好 or 说好 for casual plans

Origin & History

协 (cooperate) + 定 (fix/determine)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal