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契約を結ぶ (keiyaku o musubu - to sign a contract)

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression

neutral

How it works

This is a common verb phrase consisting of the noun 契約 (keiyaku - contract), the object particle を (o), and the verb 結ぶ (musubu - to tie, to form, to conclude). It literally means 'to tie/form a contract'. The particle を marks 契約 as the direct object of 結ぶ. The verb 結ぶ is used in its dictionary form here, and would be conjugated according to tense, politeness, etc.

Sample sentences

昨日、新しいアパートの契約を結びました。

Yesterday, I signed a contract for a new apartment.

会社と正式な雇用契約を結ぶことになった。

I ended up signing a formal employment contract with the company.

彼らは互恵的な取引のための契約を結ぶ準備をしています。

They are preparing to conclude a contract for a mutually beneficial deal.

Quick facts

nuance:While 'sign a contract' is the direct meaning, 'conclude a contract' or 'enter into a contract' also capture the essence of forming an agreement.

kanjiMeaning:契約: 契 (chigiri - pledge, vow) + 約 (yaku - promise, agreement). 結ぶ: 結 (musubu - to tie, to bind).

Often used with

契約書 (keiyakusho - written contract)

契約解除 (keiyaku kaijo - contract cancellation)

契約更新 (keiyaku kōshin - contract renewal)

雇用契約 (koyou keiyaku - employment contract)

売買契約 (baibai keiyaku - sales contract)

口頭契約 (koutou keiyaku - verbal agreement)

Mnemonic

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Example

昨日、新しいアパートの契約を結びました。

Yesterday, I signed a contract for a new apartment.

会社と正式な雇用契約を結ぶことになった。

I ended up signing a formal employment contract with the company.