Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Contract" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "contract", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
契約
けいやく (keiyaku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
成約
せいやく (seiyaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "contract" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 契約 and 成約.
In Japanese, 契約 (けいやく (keiyaku)) is typically associated with "contract; agreement; covenant" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a formal contract or legally binding agreement. Can be used with する as a verb.
On the other hand, 成約 (せいやく (seiyaku)) maps to "contract conclusion; successful negotiation; deal closure" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Specifically refers to the successful conclusion of a contract, deal, or agreement, especially in business or real estate transactions.. A literal translation of "contract" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "契約"
新しいオフィスを借りるために、賃貸契約を結びました。
In order to rent a new office, we concluded a lease contract.
Bilingual Context for "成約"
不動産の成約件数が過去最高を記録した。
The number of real estate deals concluded reached a record high.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "新しいオフィスを借りるために、賃貸 ＿＿＿ を結びました。" (Meaning: "In order to rent a new office, we concluded a lease contract.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "契約" fits here because it means "contract; agreement; covenant" in the context of: "In order to rent a new office, we concluded a lease contract.". "成約" represents "contract conclusion; successful negotiation; deal closure".