Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Contract" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "contract", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
請負
うけおい (ukeoi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
約定
やくじょう (yakujou)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "contract" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 請負 and 約定.
In Japanese, 請負 (うけおい (ukeoi)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 約定 (やくじょう (yakujou)) maps to "contract agreement / covenant" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "contract" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "約定"
私は約定に興味があります。
I am interested in contract agreement / covenant.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その工事は ＿＿＿ 契約で進められている。" (Meaning: "That construction project is proceeding under a contract.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "請負" fits here because it means "contract, contracting, undertaking (a job)" in the context of: "That construction project is proceeding under a contract.". "約定" represents "contract agreement / covenant".