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계약

gyeyak
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At the A1 level, you learn basic words for everyday life. You probably already know '약속' (promise). '계약' is a very important word that means 'contract'. It is like a very serious promise that is written on paper. You use it when you get a job, rent a house, or buy a new mobile phone. Unlike a casual promise with a friend, a '계약' usually involves money and signatures. If you break it, there are rules and penalties. It is a noun, and you usually say '계약하다' (to make a contract). Remember, do not use '계약' when you are just making plans to meet a friend. Use it only for official business.
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At the A2 level, you start dealing with more real-life situations in Korea. '계약' (contract) becomes a word you need to know to survive. When you go to a real estate agent (부동산) to find a room, you will sign a '계약서' (contract document). You will need to pay a '계약금' (deposit) to secure the room. When you buy a phone, the worker will talk about the '계약 기간' (contract period), which is usually two years. You learn that '계약하다' is the basic verb, but you also start hearing '계약을 맺다' (to form a contract). It is crucial to understand that '계약' is legally binding, unlike '예약' (reservation) which is just booking a table or a room.
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At the B1 level, your understanding of '계약' deepens as you enter professional or more complex administrative contexts. You learn about '근로 계약' (employment contract) and the difference between '정규직' (full-time) and '계약직' (contract worker). You learn more advanced verbs: instead of just '계약하다', you use '계약을 체결하다' (to conclude a contract) in formal writing. You also learn how to talk about ending a contract: '계약을 취소하다' (to cancel) or '계약이 만료되다' (contract expires). You understand the cultural importance of the '계약서' (written contract) and the concept of '위약금' (penalty for breaking a contract). You can now read basic terms and conditions and understand your rights and obligations.
At the B2 level, you can discuss the nuances of contracts in detail. You understand legal and business terminology associated with '계약'. You can use words like '해지하다' (to terminate an ongoing contract) and '파기하다' (to breach/destroy a contract). You can discuss the specific conditions ('계약 조건') and negotiate terms. You understand the societal implications of the '갑을' (Party A and Party B) relationship derived from contract language, where '갑' holds the power. You can comfortably navigate real estate contracts (전세, 월세) and understand the legal protections involved, such as '확정일자' (fixed date for deposit protection). You can read news articles about corporate contracts and labor disputes.
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At the C1 level, '계약' is a concept you can analyze critically. You can understand complex legal jargon in '계약서' (contracts) and discuss abstract concepts like '사회 계약' (social contract). You are familiar with terms like '독점 계약' (exclusive contract), '하도급 계약' (subcontract), and '불공정 계약' (unfair contract). You can debate the ethics of certain contract practices in Korean corporate culture, such as the historical '노예 계약' (slave contracts) in the entertainment industry. You can write formal business emails negotiating contract terms, demanding compliance, or threatening legal action for '계약 위반' (breach of contract). Your vocabulary includes highly specific legal verbs and nouns.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of '계약' and its related legal and semantic field is native-like. You can easily differentiate between '계약', '조약' (treaty), '협정' (pact), and '약정' (stipulation) in complex geopolitical or macroeconomic contexts. You can read and draft complex legal documents, understanding the subtle implications of every clause. You can discuss the historical evolution of contract law in Korea and its impact on modern economic structures. You can engage in high-level negotiations, using sophisticated rhetorical strategies to secure favorable '계약 조건'. You understand all idiomatic and metaphorical uses of the word and can navigate any legal or business situation with absolute fluency.
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계약 in 30 Sekunden

  • A legally binding agreement.
  • Used for housing, jobs, and phones.
  • Requires signatures and often a deposit.
  • Different from a casual promise (약속).
The Korean word '계약' (ge-yak) translates to 'contract' or 'agreement' in English. It is a formal, legally binding arrangement between two or more parties. Understanding this word is absolutely crucial for anyone planning to live, work, or do business in South Korea, as contracts govern almost every aspect of formal adult life. The word is derived from Hanja (Chinese characters): 契 (맺을 계 - to bind, tie, or pledge) and 約 (약속할 약 - promise, agreement). Therefore, the literal translation is a 'binding promise.' Unlike a casual promise ('약속'), which you might make with a friend to meet for coffee, a '계약' involves legal obligations, signatures, and often financial transactions. In South Korean society, contracts are taken extremely seriously, and the legal framework surrounding them is robust and detailed. When you rent an apartment, whether through the unique Korean 'Jeonse' (전세 - key money deposit) system or 'Wolse' (월세 - monthly rent), you will sign a '부동산 계약' (real estate contract). When you get a job, you will sign a '근로 계약' (labor contract). Even getting a mobile phone plan requires a '약정 계약' (stipulated contract). The concept of a contract is deeply embedded in the administrative processes of the country.
Hanja Breakdown
契 (계): Bind/Pledge. 約 (약): Promise.
Legal Context
Requires mutual consent and often a written document (계약서).
Everyday Use
Used for housing, employment, and services.

우리는 정식으로 계약을 맺었다.

이 계약은 법적 효력이 있습니다.

계약 기간이 만료되었습니다.

새로운 집과 계약을 체결했어요.

계약을 위반하면 벌금을 내야 합니다.

To fully grasp the meaning, one must understand that '계약' is not just an abstract concept but a tangible reality in Korea. You will often hear people talking about '계약금' (deposit or down payment), which is usually 10% of the total contract value, paid upfront to secure the deal. If the buyer breaks the contract, they lose this deposit. If the seller breaks it, they must pay back double the deposit. This strict financial consequence underscores the weight of the word '계약'. Furthermore, the act of signing a contract is often accompanied by the use of a '도장' (personal seal or stamp), although signatures are becoming more common. The physical stamping of a document adds a layer of formality and tradition to the modern legal process. In summary, '계약' is a foundational vocabulary word for navigating the adult, professional, and legal landscapes of South Korea, representing a binding commitment that carries significant weight and consequences.
Using the word '계약' correctly involves knowing the specific verbs that collocate with it. Since '계약' is a noun, it requires a verb to express an action. The most basic and common verb is '하다' (to do), making '계약하다' (to contract / to sign a contract). However, in more formal or professional settings, you will encounter a variety of other verbs. '계약을 맺다' (to form/tie a contract) is very common and sounds slightly more formal than '하다'. In strictly legal or business contexts, '계약을 체결하다' (to conclude/execute a contract) is the standard terminology. When a contract is broken or canceled, you use '계약을 파기하다' (to tear up/destroy a contract) or '계약을 취소하다' (to cancel a contract). If you are legally terminating a contract according to its terms, you use '계약을 해지하다' (to terminate a contract). When a contract period ends and you want to continue it, you use '계약을 연장하다' (to extend a contract) or '계약을 갱신하다' (to renew a contract).
Forming a Contract
계약하다, 계약을 맺다, 계약을 체결하다.
Breaking a Contract
계약을 파기하다, 위반하다, 해지하다.
Maintaining a Contract
계약을 유지하다, 연장하다, 갱신하다.

내일 아파트 계약을 맺을 예정입니다.

두 회사가 독점 계약을 체결했습니다.

상대방이 일방적으로 계약을 파기했어요.

전세 계약을 2년 더 연장하고 싶습니다.

계약 조건이 마음에 들지 않아 취소했습니다.

It is also important to understand the components of a contract in Korean. The document is '계약서' (contract). The conditions or terms are '계약 조건' (contract conditions). The period of validity is '계약 기간' (contract period). The deposit is '계약금' (contract money/deposit). The parties involved are often referred to as '갑' (party A, usually the one with more power, like the employer or landlord) and '을' (party B, the employee or tenant). This '갑을' relationship is a huge cultural concept in Korea, originating from contract terminology but extending into social dynamics. When writing or speaking about contracts, precision is key. You don't just 'write' a contract (계약을 쓰다 - though sometimes used colloquially, it's better to say 계약서를 작성하다 - to draft a contract document). Understanding these nuances and the specific verbs that pair with '계약' will elevate your Korean from an intermediate level to an advanced, professional level, allowing you to navigate complex real-life situations with confidence and accuracy.
The word '계약' is ubiquitous in South Korea, and you will hear it in several distinct, highly important contexts. The most common place an expat or visitor will encounter this word is in real estate (부동산). South Korea's housing market relies heavily on contracts, specifically for the 'Jeonse' (전세) system, where a large lump-sum deposit is given to the landlord instead of monthly rent, or the 'Wolse' (월세) system, which is standard monthly rent. In a real estate office, you will constantly hear terms like '임대차 계약' (lease contract), '계약금' (deposit), and '계약서 작성' (drafting the contract). Another major area is the workplace. Before starting any job, you must sign a '근로 계약서' (employment contract). This document outlines your salary, working hours, and benefits. Discussions with HR will heavily feature the word '계약', especially regarding '계약직' (contract worker) versus '정규직' (regular, permanent worker). Being a '계약직' means your employment has a fixed end date, which is a significant socio-economic topic in Korea.
Real Estate
부동산 계약, 전세 계약, 월세 계약, 임대차 계약.
Employment
근로 계약, 연봉 계약, 계약직.
Daily Services
휴대폰 약정 계약, 인터넷 계약, 보험 계약.

부동산에서 원룸 임대차 계약을 했습니다.

올해 연봉 계약은 만족스럽게 끝났어요.

그 회사는 계약직 직원을 많이 뽑습니다.

휴대폰 2년 계약이 다음 달에 끝나요.

보험 계약을 해지하려면 위약금을 내야 합니다.

You will also hear '계약' in everyday consumer services. When you buy a new smartphone in Korea, you usually sign a 2-year '약정 계약' (stipulated contract) with a telecom company (통신사) like SKT, KT, or LG U+. If you cancel early, you pay a '위약금' (penalty for breach of contract). Similarly, signing up for home internet, a gym membership, or life insurance all involve '계약'. In the news, you will hear the word in the context of business and politics. Companies sign 'MOU's or '독점 계약' (exclusive contracts). The government might sign a '수주 계약' (order/procurement contract) for construction or defense. Even in entertainment, K-pop idols' relationships with their agencies are defined by their '전속 계약' (exclusive contract), and disputes over these contracts (often termed '노예 계약' or slave contracts in the past) are frequent news topics. Therefore, '계약' is a word that permeates every level of Korean society, from renting a tiny studio apartment to international corporate mergers.
One of the most frequent mistakes Korean learners make is confusing '계약' (contract) with '약속' (promise) or '예약' (reservation). While all three involve an agreement about the future, their usage is strictly separated by context and legal weight. '약속' is a personal promise or an appointment. If you agree to meet a friend for dinner, that is a '약속'. You would never say '친구와 저녁 식사 계약을 했어요' (I made a dinner contract with my friend) unless you are making a very dry joke. '예약' means a reservation or booking. If you call a restaurant to secure a table, or book a flight or hotel room, you use '예약'. Saying '호텔 방을 계약했어요' implies you are leasing the hotel room long-term with a formal legal document, not just booking it for a weekend. Another common mistake involves the verbs used with '계약'.
계약 vs 약속
계약 is legal/business. 약속 is personal/casual.
계약 vs 예약
계약 is a binding agreement. 예약 is a booking/reservation.
Verb Errors
Don't use '쓰다' (to write) directly with 계약. Use '맺다' or '체결하다'.

❌ 친구와 만날 계약이 있어요. (Incorrect)

✅ 친구와 만날 약속이 있어요. (Correct)

❌ 식당을 계약했어요. (Incorrect for booking a table)

✅ 식당을 예약했어요. (Correct)

❌ 계약을 썼어요. (Unnatural)

Learners also often misuse the terms for breaking a contract. While '취소하다' (to cancel) is understood, '해지하다' (to terminate an ongoing contract) or '파기하다' (to break/destroy a contract) are much more accurate and natural in business Korean. For example, you '해지' a cell phone contract, but you '파기' a business deal if the other side lied. Furthermore, confusing '계약금' (deposit) with '보증금' (security deposit) is common. In real estate, '계약금' is the initial 10% paid to secure the contract, while '보증금' is the large sum held by the landlord for the duration of the lease. Understanding these distinctions is vital to avoid confusion and potential financial missteps when dealing with formal agreements in Korea. Always double-check which 'yak' (약) word you need: 계약 (contract), 약속 (promise), or 예약 (reservation).
There are several words in Korean that share the '약' (約 - promise/agreement) character and have meanings related to '계약'. Understanding these nuances will greatly expand your advanced vocabulary. '조약' (treaty) is used exclusively for international agreements between countries or states, such as a peace treaty (평화 조약). '협정' (agreement/pact) is similar to a treaty but can be used for trade agreements or specific pacts between nations or large organizations (e.g., FTA - 자유무역협정). '약정' (stipulation/commitment) is a type of contract that specifies certain conditions, most commonly used in Korea for mobile phone contracts (약정 기간 - commitment period) where you agree to use a service for a set time in exchange for a discount. '서약' (vow/oath) is a solemn promise, often written, but usually lacking the commercial or financial exchange of a '계약'. For example, a non-disclosure agreement might involve a '비밀유지 서약서' (confidentiality oath document).
조약 (Treaty)
International agreements between countries.
협정 (Pact/Agreement)
Formal agreements, often trade or military.
약정 (Stipulation)
Conditional agreements, like 2-year phone plans.

두 나라는 평화 조약을 체결했다.

자유무역협정(FTA)이 발효되었습니다.

스마트폰 2년 약정으로 구매했어요.

입사할 때 비밀유지 서약서에 서명했습니다.

이것은 구두 계약이 아닌 서면 계약입니다.

Another related term is '합의' (mutual agreement/consensus). While a '계약' is the formal document, '합의' is the meeting of minds that leads to it. If you get into a car accident, you might reach a '합의' (settlement) with the other driver to avoid police involvement. Finally, '동의' (consent) is simply agreeing to something, like clicking 'I agree' on terms of service (이용약관 동의). While all these words revolve around the concept of agreeing, '계약' remains the core term for any formal, legally binding transaction involving goods, services, employment, or property. Mastering '계약' and its related terms is essential for anyone looking to achieve fluency and functional independence in Korean society.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun + 을/를 맺다/체결하다 (Object particle with formal verbs)

Noun + 에 동의하다 (Agreeing to a contract)

Verb + (으)면 위약금을 내다 (Conditional: If you break it, you pay a penalty)

Noun + 상의 (On the contract / according to the contract)

Noun + (으)로 계약하다 (Contracting as a certain status, e.g., 계약직으로)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

이것은 계약입니다.

This is a contract.

Noun + 입니다 (formal copula).

2

계약서에 사인하세요.

Please sign the contract.

Noun + 에 (location/target particle) + 사인하세요 (imperative).

3

내일 계약을 합니다.

I will make a contract tomorrow.

Noun + 을 (object particle) + 합니다 (formal verb).

4

계약이 끝났어요.

The contract has ended.

Noun + 이 (subject particle) + 끝났어요 (past tense).

5

새로운 계약을 원해요.

I want a new contract.

Adjective + Noun + 을 + 원해요 (to want).

6

계약금이 얼마예요?

How much is the deposit (contract money)?

Noun + 이 (subject particle) + 얼마예요 (how much).

7

집 계약을 했어요.

I signed a house contract.

Noun + 을 + 했어요 (past tense of do).

8

계약은 중요해요.

Contracts are important.

Noun + 은 (topic particle) + 중요해요 (adjective).

1

부동산에서 원룸 계약을 맺었어요.

I signed a studio apartment contract at the real estate agency.

계약을 맺다 (to form a contract).

2

휴대폰 계약 기간이 2년입니다.

The mobile phone contract period is 2 years.

계약 기간 (contract period).

3

계약서를 꼼꼼히 읽어보세요.

Please read the contract carefully.

계약서 (contract document) + 읽어보세요 (try reading).

4

계약금을 먼저 내야 합니다.

You must pay the deposit first.

계약금 (deposit) + 아/어야 하다 (must do).

5

아르바이트 근로 계약서를 썼어요.

I wrote an employment contract for my part-time job.

근로 계약서 (labor contract).

6

계약을 취소할 수 있나요?

Can I cancel the contract?

계약을 취소하다 (to cancel a contract) + ㄹ 수 있다 (can).

7

오늘 회사와 계약을 연장했습니다.

I extended my contract with the company today.

계약을 연장하다 (to extend a contract).

8

계약 조건이 아주 좋습니다.

The contract conditions are very good.

계약 조건 (contract conditions).

1

양측은 우호적인 분위기 속에서 계약을 체결했습니다.

Both sides concluded the contract in a friendly atmosphere.

계약을 체결하다 (formal: to conclude a contract).

2

계약 위반 시 막대한 위약금을 물어야 합니다.

In case of a breach of contract, you must pay a huge penalty.

계약 위반 (breach of contract).

3

저는 정규직이 아니라 1년 계약직으로 일하고 있습니다.

I am working not as a regular employee, but as a 1-year contract worker.

계약직 (contract worker).

4

전세 계약 만료일이 다가와서 새 집을 알아보고 있어요.

The expiration date of my Jeonse contract is approaching, so I'm looking for a new house.

계약 만료 (contract expiration).

5

계약서의 세부 조항을 꼼꼼하게 검토해 주시기 바랍니다.

Please review the detailed clauses of the contract carefully.

계약서 조항 (contract clauses).

6

합의에 이르지 못해 결국 계약이 파기되었습니다.

Failing to reach an agreement, the contract was eventually broken.

계약이 파기되다 (contract is broken/destroyed).

7

자동 갱신 계약이므로 해지를 원하시면 미리 연락주세요.

It is an auto-renewal contract, so please contact us in advance if you wish to terminate it.

계약 갱신 (contract renewal).

8

갑과 을은 본 계약을 성실히 이행할 의무가 있다.

Party A and Party B have an obligation to faithfully execute this contract.

본 계약 (this contract) + 이행하다 (to execute/fulfill).

1

구두 계약도 법적 효력을 가지지만, 입증하기가 어렵습니다.

Verbal contracts also have legal effect, but they are difficult to prove.

구두 계약 (verbal contract).

2

회사는 노조와의 임금 단체 협상에서 새로운 계약을 이끌어냈습니다.

The company drew out a new contract in the collective wage negotiations with the labor union.

계약을 이끌어내다 (to draw out/achieve a contract).

3

계약 해지에 따른 손해배상 청구 소송이 진행 중입니다.

A lawsuit claiming damages due to the termination of the contract is underway.

계약 해지 (contract termination).

4

독점 공급 계약을 따내기 위해 치열한 경쟁이 벌어졌습니다.

Fierce competition took place to win the exclusive supply contract.

독점 계약 (exclusive contract).

5

계약서 상의 모호한 문구 때문에 법적 분쟁이 발생했습니다.

A legal dispute arose due to ambiguous phrasing in the contract.

계약서 상의 (on the contract).

6

하도급 계약의 불공정 관행을 뿌리 뽑기 위한 법안이 발의되었습니다.

A bill was proposed to eradicate unfair practices in subcontracting agreements.

하도급 계약 (subcontract).

7

비밀유지 계약(NDA)에 서명하지 않으면 프로젝트에 참여할 수 없습니다.

You cannot participate in the project unless you sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

비밀유지 계약 (Non-Disclosure Agreement).

8

부동산 시장 침체로 인해 계약 포기 사례가 속출하고 있습니다.

Due to the stagnation of the real estate market, cases of giving up on contracts are occurring one after another.

계약 포기 (abandoning a contract).

1

당사자 간의 명시적인 합의가 없었으므로 해당 계약은 원천 무효입니다.

Since there was no explicit agreement between the parties, the contract is fundamentally invalid.

계약 무효 (contract invalidity).

2

M&A 과정에서 발생한 우발채무는 양수인이 승계한다는 특약이 계약서에 명시되어 있다.

A special clause is specified in the contract that the assignee inherits contingent liabilities arising during the M&A process.

계약서에 명시되다 (specified in the contract).

3

연예기획사와 아이돌 그룹 간의 전속계약 분쟁은 종종 불공정 약관의 문제점을 드러낸다.

Exclusive contract disputes between entertainment agencies and idol groups often reveal the problems of unfair terms and conditions.

전속계약 (exclusive contract for talent).

4

국제 물품 매매 계약에 관한 UN 협약(CISG)이 본 거래의 준거법으로 적용됩니다.

The UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) applies as the governing law for this transaction.

매매 계약 (sales contract).

5

계약의 본질적인 내용을 침해하는 조건 변경은 상대방의 동의 없이 이루어질 수 없다.

Changes in conditions that infringe upon the essential content of the contract cannot be made without the consent of the other party.

계약의 본질적인 내용 (essential content of the contract).

6

정부는 대기업의 갑질 논란을 잠재우기 위해 표준하도급계약서 사용을 의무화했다.

The government mandated the use of standard subcontracting agreements to quell controversies over power abuse by large conglomerates.

표준하도급계약서 (standard subcontracting agreement).

7

쌍무계약에 있어서 당사자 일방은 상대방이 채무를 이행할 때까지 자기 채무 이행을 거절할 수 있는 동시이행의 항변권을 가진다.

In a bilateral contract, one party has the right of defense of simultaneous performance, allowing them to refuse performance of their obligation until the other party performs theirs.

쌍무계약 (bilateral contract).

8

계약자유의 원칙은 사적 자치의 핵심이지만, 공공복리에 반하는 경우에는 제한될 수 있다.

The principle of freedom of contract is the core of private autonomy, but it can be restricted if it goes against public welfare.

계약자유의 원칙 (principle of freedom of contract).

1

루소의 사회계약론은 국가의 권력이 인민의 동의, 즉 가상적 계약으로부터 정당성을 얻는다고 주창한다.

Rousseau's Social Contract Theory advocates that state power derives its legitimacy from the consent of the people, that is, a hypothetical contract.

사회계약론 (Social Contract Theory).

2

파생상품 계약의 복잡성은 금융 위기 당시 시스템 리스크를 증폭시키는 뇌관으로 작용했다.

The complexity of derivative contracts acted as a detonator amplifying systemic risk during the financial crisis.

파생상품 계약 (derivative contract).

3

계약의 해석에 있어 문언의 객관적 의미뿐만 아니라 당사자의 진정한 의사와 거래 관행을 종합적으로 고려해야 한다는 것이 대법원의 확고한 판례이다.

It is the firm precedent of the Supreme Court that in interpreting a contract, not only the objective meaning of the text but also the true intention of the parties and trade customs must be comprehensively considered.

계약의 해석 (interpretation of a contract).

4

스마트 컨트랙트는 블록체인 기술을 기반으로 중개자 없이 계약 조건을 자동으로 실행함으로써 거래 비용을 획기적으로 절감할 잠재력을 지닌다.

Smart contracts, based on blockchain technology, have the potential to drastically reduce transaction costs by automatically executing contract conditions without intermediaries.

스마트 컨트랙트 (Smart Contract).

5

약관의 규제에 관한 법률은 사업자가 일방적으로 작성한 부합계약에서 정보 비대칭성으로 인한 소비자의 불이익을 방지하는 데 그 목적이 있다.

The Act on the Regulation of Terms and Conditions aims to prevent consumer disadvantages caused by information asymmetry in contracts of adhesion unilaterally drafted by business operators.

부합계약 (contract of adhesion).

6

국가계약법상 부정당업자로 제재를 받은 기업은 일정 기간 동안 공공기관이 발주하는 입찰에 참가할 자격이 박탈된다.

Under the State Contract Act, a company sanctioned as an improper business entity is deprived of the qualification to participate in bids placed by public institutions for a certain period.

국가계약법 (State Contract Act).

7

영미법계의 약인(Consideration) 법리는 대륙법계의 계약 성립 요건과는 궤를 달리하며, 무상 계약의 구속력을 부정하는 근거가 된다.

The doctrine of consideration in common law differs from the requirements for contract formation in civil law, serving as the basis for denying the binding force of gratuitous contracts.

무상 계약 (gratuitous contract).

8

신의성실의 원칙은 계약 관계 전반을 지배하는 대원칙으로서, 권리의 행사와 의무의 이행이 신의에 좇아 성실히 이루어져야 함을 천명한다.

The principle of good faith is a grand principle governing the entire contractual relationship, declaring that the exercise of rights and performance of duties must be carried out faithfully in accordance with trust.

계약 관계 (contractual relationship).

Synonyme

협정 약속 조약

Gegenteile

해지 파기

Häufige Kollokationen

계약을 맺다
계약을 체결하다
계약을 파기하다
계약을 해지하다
계약을 연장하다
계약서
계약금
계약 기간
근로 계약
전세 계약

Häufige Phrasen

계약서에 도장을 찍다
계약이 만료되다
계약을 위반하다
계약 조건에 동의하다
계약금을 걸다
계약직으로 일하다
독점 계약을 따내다
계약이 성사되다
구두 계약을 하다
계약서를 작성하다

Wird oft verwechselt mit

계약 vs 약속 (Promise - casual, no legal weight)

계약 vs 예약 (Reservation - booking a time/place, not a full legal agreement)

계약 vs 조약 (Treaty - strictly between nations)

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"갑을 관계 (Relationship based on contract terms A and B, implying a power dynamic)"
"도장을 찍다 (To stamp a seal, meaning to finalize a contract)"
"계약은 계약이다 (A contract is a contract - rules must be followed)"
"백지 수표를 내밀다 (To offer a blank check/contract)"
"노예 계약 (Slave contract - highly unfair terms)"
"이면 계약 (Behind-the-scenes/secret contract)"
"구두 계약도 계약이다 (A verbal contract is still a contract)"
"계약금 날리다 (To blow/lose one's deposit)"
"도장 마르기도 전에 (Before the ink/seal on the contract is even dry)"
"가계약 (Provisional contract)"

Leicht verwechselbar

계약 vs

계약 vs

계약 vs

계약 vs

계약 vs

Satzmuster

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So verwendest du es

nuance

Carries a strong sense of legal and financial obligation.

formality

Highly formal, but used in everyday life for administrative tasks.

colloquialisms

Sometimes shortened in slang, but generally used in its full form.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 계약 instead of 약속 for social plans (e.g., 친구와 계약이 있어요 ❌ -> 친구와 약속이 있어요 ✅).
  • Using 계약 instead of 예약 for booking a restaurant or hotel (e.g., 식당을 계약했어요 ❌ -> 식당을 예약했어요 ✅).
  • Saying 계약을 쓰다 (to write a contract) instead of 계약서를 작성하다 (to draft a contract document).
  • Confusing 계약금 (initial 10% deposit) with 보증금 (total security deposit for a lease).
  • Using 취소하다 (to cancel) for a contract that has already started, instead of 해지하다 (to terminate).

Tipps

Use with Formal Verbs

To sound professional, pair 계약 with 체결하다 (conclude) or 맺다 (form). Avoid just saying 계약을 하다 in formal writing.

Don't Confuse with 약속

Never use 계약 for meeting friends. It sounds like you are forcing them to sign a legal document to have coffee with you.

Real Estate Essential

If you move to Korea, you will sign a 부동산 계약 (real estate contract). Always check the terms carefully and ensure your deposit is protected.

Money Matters

Learn the word 위약금 (penalty for breach). If you break a phone or internet contract early, you will have to pay this.

Passive Form

You can use the passive form 계약되다 (to be contracted). Example: 모든 방이 계약되었습니다 (All rooms have been contracted/rented).

The Power of Gap (갑)

Understand that being '갑' in a contract means you have the upper hand. This term is used constantly in Korean news to discuss unfair practices.

Phone Contracts

When buying a phone, the word 약정 (stipulation) is used more often than 계약, but it means the exact same thing: a binding 2-year contract.

Contract Document

When referring to the paper itself, always add '서' to make it 계약서. You sign the 계약서, not the abstract 계약.

News Context

In business news, listen for 독점 계약 (exclusive contract) or 수주 계약 (order contract). These dictate stock market movements.

Automatic Renewal

Beware of 자동 갱신 (automatic renewal) clauses in contracts. If you don't cancel (해지) in time, the contract extends automatically.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine you 'GET' a 'YAK' (계약 - ge-yak) but you have to sign a CONTRACT to keep it.

Wortherkunft

Sino-Korean

Kultureller Kontext

Personal seals (도장) are traditionally used instead of signatures on important contracts.

A unique Korean lease contract requiring a huge deposit but no monthly rent.

The terms 갑 (A) and 을 (B) from contracts define social power dynamics in Korea.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"집 계약은 언제 만료되나요?"

"휴대폰 약정 계약이 끝났어요?"

"계약직과 정규직의 차이가 무엇인가요?"

"계약서를 작성할 때 주의할 점이 있나요?"

"계약금을 얼마나 내야 하나요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe the first time you signed a contract in a foreign country.

What are the pros and cons of being a contract worker (계약직)?

Explain the Korean 'Jeonse' contract system to a friend.

Write about a time you had to cancel a contract or subscription.

How do contracts protect people in society?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, you cannot. A dinner date is a casual plan. You must use 약속 (promise/appointment) for social meetings. 계약 is strictly for legal or business agreements.

예약 means reservation or booking, like a hotel room for a night or a restaurant table. 계약 means a binding contract, like a one-year lease for an apartment. 예약 usually just holds a spot, while 계약 involves detailed legal terms.

In everyday speech, 계약하다 (to contract) or 계약서를 쓰다 (to write a contract) is common. In formal or business settings, use 계약을 체결하다 (to conclude a contract) or 계약서에 서명하다 (to sign the contract document).

계약금 is the deposit or down payment. In Korean real estate, it is typically 10% of the total deposit or purchase price. It is paid upfront to secure the contract and is forfeited if the buyer backs out.

계약직 refers to a contract worker or temporary employee. Unlike a 정규직 (regular, permanent employee), a 계약직 has a fixed end date to their employment. It is a major topic in Korean labor discussions.

You can use 계약을 파기하다 (to tear up/destroy) or 계약을 위반하다 (to violate/breach). If you are legally canceling an ongoing service like internet, use 계약을 해지하다.

Yes, a 구두 계약 (verbal contract) is legally valid in Korea. However, it is very difficult to prove in court. Therefore, a 서면 계약 (written contract) is always recommended.

갑 (Gap) is Party A, usually the one providing the money or holding the power (employer, landlord). 을 (Eul) is Party B, the one providing the service or renting (employee, tenant). This creates the cultural concept of 갑을 관계 (power dynamics).

Traditionally, yes, a personal seal (도장) was required. Today, a signature (서명 or 사인) is legally acceptable for almost all standard contracts. However, for major real estate or corporate deals, a registered seal (인감도장) is still often used.

가계약 is a provisional or temporary contract. It is often used in real estate to hold a property with a small deposit before the official contract (본계약) is signed. It still carries legal weight.

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