契約

• Reading: けいやく
• Romaji: keiyaku
• Kanji breakdown: 契 (kei) — pledge, promise; 約 (yaku) — promise, approximately
• Pronunciation: /ke.i.ja.kɯ/

Meaning

Contract; agreement. A formal, legally binding arrangement between parties.

Functions as a noun or する verb (契約する). Used for all types of formal agreements — employment contracts, rental agreements, phone plans, and business deals. 契約書 (keiyakusho) is the written contract document.

Examples

1. 来月から新しいアパートの契約をします。 I'm going to sign a contract for a new apartment starting next month.
2. 契約の内容をよく読んでください。 Please read the terms of the contract carefully.
3. 二年間の携帯電話の契約をしました。 I signed a two-year cell phone contract.

Usage Guide

Context: business, legal matters, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 契 (kei, pledge/promise) and 約 (yaku, promise/approximately). Both kanji relate to promises, emphasizing the binding nature of an agreement.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal