契约

人们在社会交往中形成的各种文字协议。中国是世界上契约关系发达最早的国家之一。现存最早的契约是《五祀卫鼎铭文》等四份刻在青铜器上的铭文。经过历代发展，中国古代社会出现了种类繁多、形式各异的契约，但万变不离其宗，人们使用契约的目的都是划定彼此的权利与义务，以稳定各种社会关系。广泛使用契约的历史经验证明了中国人自古以来就具有诚实守信的美德。

Contracts refer to various written agreements formed among people during social interactions.China is one of the earliest countries with well-developed contracts worldwide. The earliest existing contracts are four texts inscribed on bronze wares, including theInscription of the Wei Tripod. Throughout the ages, a wide variety of contracts in different forms appeared in ancient China, but the purpose was always to delineate rights and obligations in order to stabilize various social relationships. The extensive use of contracts in history proves that the Chinese people have upheld the virtues of honesty and credibility since ancient times.

引例 Citation：

◎ 武宁节度使王德用自陈所置马得于马商陈贵，契约具在。——司马光《涑水记闻》卷十

（武宁节度使王德用自称从马商陈贵处购得此马，买卖契约都有。）

Wang Deyong, the Military Governor of Wuning, claimed to have bought the horse from Chen Gui, a horse trader, and to have the contract of sale. (Sima Guang:Records of Tales by a Native of Sushui)

（本文摘自教育部、国家语委重大文化工程“中华思想文化术语传播工程”项目。）