Meaning and Usage
“条約” (じょうやく) refers to a formal agreement or treaty between countries. It is a legal and diplomatic term used primarily in international relations.
Context and Register
This word is formal and appears mostly in news, politics, and legal contexts. It is not used for casual agreements or contracts between individuals.
Common Collocations
- 条約を締結する: to conclude/sign a treaty
- 条約違反: treaty violation
- 条約に基づく: based on a treaty
These collocations highlight the formal and legal nature of the word.
Usage Tips
When using 条約, the speaker implies a binding and official agreement recognized by governments. Avoid confusing it with 契約 (けいやく), which is a contract often used in business or personal contexts. 条約 is specifically for international or governmental agreements.
Summary
条約 is essential vocabulary for discussing diplomacy, international law, and government agreements. Understanding its formal tone and typical collocations will help learners use it accurately in relevant conversations or reading materials.