契約を更新する
keiyaku o koushin suru
renew a contract
Literally: contract [object marker] renew/update
In 15 Seconds
- Extending a formal agreement like a lease or job.
- Commonly used in business, real estate, and subscriptions.
- Often involves a renewal fee in Japanese apartment rentals.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you decide to extend a formal agreement, like a lease for an apartment or a job contract, before it expires.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a landlord
アパートの契約を更新することにしました。
I have decided to renew my apartment lease.
Discussing a job with a boss
来年も契約を更新していただけますか？
Would you be able to renew my contract for next year?
Texting a friend about a gym
ジムの契約を更新するの忘れてた！
I forgot to renew my gym membership!
Cultural Background
In the Japanese rental market, the 'renewal fee' (koushin-ryo) is a long-standing tradition, especially in Tokyo. It originated as a gift to landlords for allowing tenants to stay longer. Today, it is a standard part of most contracts and a common topic of conversation among expats and locals alike.
Watch the Deadline
In Japan, you usually need to declare your intent to renew 1-3 months before the contract ends. Don't wait until the last day!
The Renewal Fee
Always check for the word '更新料' (koushin-ryo) in your lease. It's a hidden cost that can be quite expensive.
In 15 Seconds
- Extending a formal agreement like a lease or job.
- Commonly used in business, real estate, and subscriptions.
- Often involves a renewal fee in Japanese apartment rentals.
What It Means
契約を更新する is the formal way to say you're keeping a deal alive. Think of it as hitting the 'continue' button on a subscription or a legal agreement. It’s not just about updating details. It’s about extending the time you’re allowed to stay or work. If you don't do this, the deal ends. It’s a bit like a video game 'continue' screen but with more paperwork.
How To Use It
You’ll mostly see this in adult life. You use it as a standard verb phrase. You can say 契約を更新したい when you want to stay in your flat. Or 契約を更新したくない if you’re ready to move on. It’s very common in business and real estate. Just pair it with the thing you are renewing. It’s a solid, reliable phrase that makes you sound like a responsible adult.
When To Use It
Use this when talking to your landlord or boss. It’s perfect for discussing your phone plan or gym membership. If you’re a freelance worker, you’ll use this every time a project ends. It’s also used in sports when a player stays with a team. Basically, if there’s a signed paper involved, this is your go-to phrase. It feels professional and clear.
When NOT To Use It
Don’t use this for personal relationships. Telling your partner you want to 契約を更新する for another year is a great way to get dumped. It’s too cold for friendships. Also, don't use it for simple promises. If you promised to buy coffee, you don't 'renew' that promise. Use it only for formal, documented agreements. Keep it out of the 'casual drinks' conversation unless you're joking.
Cultural Background
In Japan, renewing an apartment lease is a big deal. Most leases last two years. When you renew, you often have to pay a 更新料 (renewal fee). This is usually one month's rent. It can be a shock to your bank account! This cultural quirk makes the phrase feel a bit heavy for many people. It’s a moment of financial planning and decision-making.
Common Variations
You might hear 契約更新 (keiyaku koushin) which is just the noun form. 自動更新 (jidou koushin) means 'automatic renewal.' This is what happens with your Netflix or Spotify. If you want to change the terms, you’d use 契約を変更する (keiyaku o henkou suru) instead. Knowing these variations helps you navigate the fine print of Japanese life.
Usage Notes
This is a formal collocation. While it's used in daily life for leases and phones, it retains a professional tone. Use 'を' to connect the object 'contract' to the verb 'renew'.
Watch the Deadline
In Japan, you usually need to declare your intent to renew 1-3 months before the contract ends. Don't wait until the last day!
The Renewal Fee
Always check for the word '更新料' (koushin-ryo) in your lease. It's a hidden cost that can be quite expensive.
Automatic vs. Manual
While apps use 'automatic' (jidou), physical contracts in Japan almost always require a hanko (seal) or signature for renewal.
Examples
6アパートの契約を更新することにしました。
I have decided to renew my apartment lease.
A standard, polite way to inform a landlord of your intent.
来年も契約を更新していただけますか？
Would you be able to renew my contract for next year?
Using the humble form makes this a polite request for job security.
ジムの契約を更新するの忘れてた！
I forgot to renew my gym membership!
Casual use for a subscription-style service.
私たちの「結婚契約」を更新しましょうか？
Shall we renew our 'marriage contract'?
Using formal business language in a relationship for comedic effect.
チームとの契約を更新できて、とても嬉しいです。
I am very happy to have been able to renew my contract with the team.
Standard phrasing for sports news or press releases.
契約を更新しないと、サービスが止まってしまいますよ。
If you don't renew the contract, the service will stop.
A helpful warning about a deadline.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to complete the phrase.
アパートの契約___更新する。
The object marker 'を' is used because 'renew' is a transitive verb acting on the 'contract'.
Which verb means 'to renew' in a formal context?
来月の期限までに契約を___必要があります。
'更新する' is the specific technical term for renewing an existing agreement.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '契約を更新する'
Talking to friends about Netflix
サブスク更新した？
General daily business
契約を更新します。
Legal or corporate settings
契約を更新させていただきます。
Where to use '契約を更新する'
Real Estate
Staying in your apartment
Employment
Extending a work contract
Services
Mobile phone plans
Sports
Athletes staying with a club
Practice Bank
2 exercisesアパートの契約___更新する。
The object marker 'を' is used because 'renew' is a transitive verb acting on the 'contract'.
来月の期限までに契約を___必要があります。
'更新する' is the specific technical term for renewing an existing agreement.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questions更新 (koushin) means to renew or update. It is used for things that have an expiration date, like a license or a contract.
Yes! You say 免許を更新する (menkyo o koushin suru). It's the standard term for renewing any official ID.
Yes. 変更 (henkou) means to change the details. 更新 (koushin) means to extend the time of the existing agreement.
The contract expires, which is called 満了 (manryou). You would then have to move out or stop working.
It is, but it sounds a bit stiff. For a Netflix sub, friends might just say 続ける (tsuzukeru - to continue).
自動更新 means automatic renewal. It's common for digital subscriptions where you are billed monthly without doing anything.
Not at all! You'll use it yourself when talking to your real estate agent or HR department.
Yes, use 更新をお願いします (koushin o Onegaishimasu) to politely ask to keep your contract going.
Usually, for books, people use 延長する (enchou suru - to extend). 更新 is for more formal legal documents.
It's a historical custom in Japan. It acts as a sort of 'thank you' payment to the landlord for continuing the relationship.
The opposite is 解約する (kaiyaku suru), which means to cancel or terminate a contract.
Related Phrases
契約を結ぶ (to sign/enter a contract)
契約を解除する (to terminate a contract)
有効期限 (expiration date)
期間を延長する (to extend the period)
