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
請負
うけおい (ukeoi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "contract" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 契約 and 請負.
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, 請負 (うけおい (ukeoi)) maps to "contract, contracting, undertaking (a job)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to undertaking a job or project under a contract, where the contractor is responsible for completing the work for an agreed price. Often seen in construction or services.. 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 "請負"
その工事は請負契約で進められている。
That construction project is proceeding under a contract.
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.". "請負" represents "contract, contracting, undertaking (a job)".