synonym Comparative
契約
VS
了解
Differences Between "契約" and "了解"
Option A
契約
Meaning
contract; agreement; covenant
Reading
けいやく (keiyaku)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
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.
Option B
了解
Meaning
understanding; agreement; 'Roger that!'; 'Understood.'
Reading
りょうかい (ryōkai)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
「明日の会議は10時からです。」「了解しました。」
"Tomorrow's meeting is from 10 o'clock." "Understood."
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(contract; agreement; covenant)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 契約: Refers to a formal contract or legally binding agreement. Can be used with する as a verb (契約する). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'This is the contract between you and me! It says "work right by my side for the rest of your life"! Now, press your stamp on it immediately! No objections allowed!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『これ、私とあんたの極秘契約書よ！「一生私のすぐそばで働き続けること」って明記してあるの！さっさと実印を押しなさい！異議は一切認めないから！』
- 了解: Used to express understanding or agreement, often in a more casual or direct context than 承知しました (shōchi shimashita), which is more formal. It can be used between colleagues, friends, or when acknowledging an instruction. Can also be used as a standalone interjection. 「分かりました」に近いが、より「受け入れた」というニュアンスが強い。
- 契約: Refers to a formal contract or legally binding agreement. Can be used with する as a verb (契約する). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'This is the contract between you and me! It says "work right by my side for the rest of your life"! Now, press your stamp on it immediately! No objections allowed!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『これ、私とあんたの極秘契約書よ！「一生私のすぐそばで働き続けること」って明記してあるの！さっさと実印を押しなさい！異議は一切認めないから！』
- 了解: Used to express understanding or agreement, often in a more casual or direct context than 承知しました (shōchi shimashita), which is more formal. It can be used between colleagues, friends, or when acknowledging an instruction. Can also be used as a standalone interjection. 「分かりました」に近いが、より「受け入れた」というニュアンスが強い。
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