定款

• Reading: ていかん
• Romaji: teikan
• Kanji breakdown: 定 (tei) — fixed, established; 款 (kan) — clause, article
• Pronunciation: /te.i.ka.ɴ/

Meaning

Articles of incorporation; company charter. The foundational legal document that defines a corporation's purpose, structure, and governing rules.

A noun referring to the constitutional document required for company registration under Japan's Companies Act (会社法). It specifies the company's name, objectives, capital, and governance structure. Amendments to the 定款 require a special shareholder resolution. Comparable to 'articles of association' in British corporate law.

Examples

1. 会社設立にあたり、公証人に定款の認証を受けた。 When establishing the company, we had the articles of incorporation certified by a notary public.
2. 定款に定めのない事項については、取締役会が決定する。 Matters not stipulated in the articles of incorporation are decided by the board of directors.
3. 事業目的を追加するため、定款の変更決議を行った。 A resolution to amend the articles of incorporation was passed in order to add a new business purpose.

Usage Guide

Context: corporate law, company registration, governance

Tone: technical

Origin & History

Composed of 定 (tei) meaning 'fixed, decided' and 款 (kan) meaning 'clause, article.' Together they denote a set of established provisions governing an organisation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Business professionals

Social background: Corporate