人們在社會交往中形成的各種文字協(xié)議。中國是世界上契約關系發(fā)達最早的國家之一。現存最早的契約是《五祀衛(wèi)鼎銘文》等四份刻在青銅器上的銘文。經過歷代發(fā)展，中國古代社會出現了種類繁多、形式各異的契約，但萬變不離其宗，人們使用契約的目的都是劃定彼此的權利與義務，以穩(wěn)定各種社會關系。廣泛使用契約的歷史經驗證明了中國人自古以來就具有誠實守信的美德。

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：

◎ 武寧節(jié)度使王德用自陳所置馬得于馬商陳貴，契約具在?！抉R光《涑水記聞》卷十

（武寧節(jié)度使王德用自稱從馬商陳貴處購得此馬，買賣契約都有。）

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、國家語委重大文化工程“中華思想文化術語傳播工程”項目。）