合同英语特色介绍
看了之后明白了很多英文“之乎者也”所对应的现代文，对合同英语的结构和特色也有了大概的了解。值得一看。
Contract 与 Agreement的有无区别
在英语中，合同一般称为Contract，协议一般称为Agreement。
何谓“contract”?
1999年中国《合同法》第二条对contract定义为： A contact in this Law refers to an agreement establishing, modifying and terminating the civil rights and obligations between subjects of equal footing, that is, between natural persons, legal persons or other organizations”。根据这一定义，合同平等主体之间设立的确定民事权利和义务的协议。，
Steven H. Gifts编著的“Law Dictionary”中将contract 定义为“contract is a promise, or a set of promises, for breach of which the law gives remedy, or the performance of the which the law in some way recognize as a duty.”根据这一定义，合同是一种承诺，违反承诺可以得到法律救助，某种意义上法律将履行该承诺看做是一种补偿。
L.B Curzon 在其编撰的字典“A Dictionary of Law”给contract的定义：“Contract is a lega lly binding agreement”根据这一定义，合同就是有法律约束力的协议。
综合起来，有一个相同点，就是“Contract is an agreement”，即可将合同说成是“An agreement which binds the parties concerned”或者说合同说成是“An agreement which is enforceable by law”，也可以说：Contracts are promises that the law will enforce。
何谓“Agreement”?
L.B “A consensus of mind, or evidence of such consensus, in spoke or written form, relating to anything done or to be done.”
根据这一定义，协议是对已经做或准备做的相关事宜，经过谈判、协商后取得一致意见，以口头或书面形式做出的约定。
Black "Law Dictionary"有两个定义。一个是：“A concord of understanding and intention between two or more parties with respect to the effect upon their relative rights and duties, of certain past or future facts or performance”根据这一定义，协议即双方或多方京某些过去或将来某些事实的相关权利、义务或相关权利、义务的履行而达成的一致理解和愿望。
另一个是：“The consent of two or more persons con curring respecting the transmission of some
property, right or benefits, with the view of contacting an obligation, a mutual obligation.”根据这一定义，协议即两个或多个当事人，为了约定单方责任或相互责任，就财产权利、利益的转移取得的一致同意。
Contract(合同)和Agreement(协议)是不是可以互换呢？
合同的成立必须具备几个主要因素。它们（要约和承诺构成的）协议、约因、设立法律关系的愿望和缔约能力四大部分组成。
L.B Curzon编著的“A Diction of Law”提到：“Contract generally involves”
1. offer and absolute and unqualified acceptance (要约和绝对接受)
2. consensus ad idem (意思表示一致，也叫meeting of minds)
3. intention to create legal relations (建立合同关系的意愿)
4. genuineness of consent (同意的真实性)
5. contractual capacity of the parties (合同当事人的缔约能力)
6. legality of object(标的物的合法性)
7. possibility of performance (履行的可能性)
8. certainty of terms(条款的确定性)
9. valuable consideration(等价有偿)
Black 'Law Dictionary" 中解释道：Although often used as synonyms with "contract", agreement is a broader term, e.g. an agreement might lack an essential element of a contact."
即“协议”和“合同”经常用作同义词，但“协议”这一术语含义更广，例如协议可能缺乏合同的必备条款（essential clauses/provisions）。
实际使用当中，协议可不受必备条款的限制，而称为合同的文体肯定少不了必备条款，有的合同将其单列，称为一般条款（General provisions）。，
1999中国《合同法》第十二条规定了八项一般条款，分别是：
1. title or name and domicile of the parities(当事人的名称或姓名和住址)
2. contract object(标的)
3. quantity(数量)
4. quality(质量)
5. price or remuneration(价款或者报酬)
6. time limit, place and method of performance (履行期限、地点和方式)
7. liability for breach of contract(违约责任)
8. methods to settle disputes (解决争议的方法)
上述解释说明，contract(合同)和agreement(协议)的概念虽然接近，但使用范围不同，不能互换使用。合同是协议的重要组成部分，所有合同一定是协议，而协议不见得都是合同。可以说具备合同成立要求的具有强制执行力的协议才是合同。
结构特点
合同类法律文件用以规定当事人的权利与义务，是预防与解决争议的依据。合同英语行文慎密而准确，历史悠久，深含法律文化底蕴。
中文的合同开头一般先罗列当事人的名称、姓名、住所或营业场所，然后是合同正文，结尾是当事人印章、授权代表签字、职务及签字日期。而英语合同一般以下面这类句式为开头：
This agreement/contract is made and entered in to this ____ day of _____(month), _______ (year) by and between Party A (hereinafter called " Party A ")and Party B(hereinafter called " Party B ")
然后是开始陈述：
WHEREAS…THEREFORE
… It is hereby agreed as follows:
或以：
WITNESSETH, WHEREAS…
NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereby covenant and agree as follows:
接着是正文，最后是证明部分：
IN WITNESS WHEREOF，the parties hereto have hereunto set their hands the day and years first
above written.
随后还包括当事人和见证人的签字。签字日期一般在英文合同最搬弄是非是找不到的。
下面列出新加坡、美国、香港和日本的合同格式。
A. 新加坡
Agreement
THIS AGREEMENT is made the 9th day of August, 2001 between LUCKY INTERNATIONAL LTD, a company incorporated in Singapore and having its registered office at Telek Blongar Rise, Singapore 19569 (hereinfater called "The Company") of the part and JACK Wong (NRIC No._________ /A) of 108 Orchar Road, Singapore 01688 (hereinafter called "The Mangager") of the other part.
WHEREAS:
1. The company is engaged in IT business and requires a person with the necessary qualifications and experience to manage its business.
2. ….
NOW IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:
1. The company shall employ the Manager and the Manager shall serve the Company as manager of the Company's IT business for a period of two years commencing on 1st day of September
2. ….
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hand the day and year first above written.
THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO
Duties of Manger
1. To manage, maintain and promote the business of the Company.
2.
3.
SIGNED by Roger Tan
For and on behalf of LUCKY INTERANTIONAL LTD
In the presence of
SIGNED by TERESA WONG
In the presence of
新加坡的通用合同分五部分：
第一部分：称为parties, 主要介绍合同各方的姓名或名称，注册地国及地址、邮编及各自在合同的简称。开头框架一般为：
THIS AGREEMENT is made the ---------__________ day of _____ （month）,____ (year) between A _______ (hereinafter called "The Company") of the part and B______, (hereinafter called "The Manager") of the other part.
句子开头THIS AGREEMENT
或CONTRACT和当事人的姓名和名称，都应大写。当事人是自然人的，用“of”和其后的住址相连；是法人或非法人单位的，用“having its registered office at”和其后注册地址相连。
第二部分：称为recital。以WHEREAS开头，进入叙述部分，用陈述正式说明当事人订立合同的原因。
第三部分：称为habendum，正文。具体约定当事人的权利和义务。正文部分的结束段为：
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hand the day and year first above written.
这段作用相当于中文合同的“双方签字盖章，特此为证”。
第四部分：称为schedule或addendum，附录。是对前述合同部分条款的必要补充。不是所有合同都有
这一项。
第五部分：称为attestation，证明部分。当事人如果自然人，用“SIGNED by __” 英文写作翻译；连接后填写见证姓名的表达部分“In the presence of ____”；当事人是法人或非法人单位时，授权代表后接的是“SIGNED for and on behalf _____ of____”，然后才是In the presence of _______。与
中文合同的显著不同是签章处除当事人外，多了一个In the presence of _______供证人签字之处。另一不同的是合同订立日期没有放在合同最后，而是出现在开头段的当事人介绍部分。
第五部分在新加坡还有另一种表达
As Witness our Hands this _____day of _____，in the year of our Lord Tow Thousand and One.
Signed, sealed, and delivered by the above named
In the presence of
Signature
Address
Occupation
上述合同的格式很有代表性，其它英文格式与之相比大同大异，有的合同中不含附录。
B. 美国
APPOINTMENT AS CONTRACT FULL-TIME SENIOR CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATOR
AN AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES made the 1st day of September, 2000 between ______ of _____ (address)(hereinafter referred to as "the Company") as one part and Mr._______ of
_______(address) (hereinafter referred to as the Contractor) of the other part. WHEREBY IT IS AGREED AND DECLARED AS FOLLOWS:
1. THAT the Company shall …
2. This agreement shall commence on ….
3.
4.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, both parties set their hands on the date herein mentioned SIGNED BY
Name :
Designation :
For and on behalf of : (signature)
Contractor :
Designation :
For and on behalf of : (signature)
本合同分为四个大部分（缺附录，schedule）。与上一合同基本相同，但第一段没有谓语，不是个完整的句子。个别用词与前一合同有差别。最后落款处还多了了“职务”，即designation(有的合同还惯用position).
C. 香港
CONTRACT
CONTACT NO.
SIGNING DATE/PLACE
THE BUYER: Name
Legal Address
Contact
THE SELLER: Name
Legal Address
Contact
This contract is made by and between the Buyer and the Seller.
Whereby the Buyer agrees o buy and the Seller agrees to sell the under-mentioned commodity according to the terms and conditions.
1. NAME OF COMMODITY AND SCOPE OF THE CONTRACT
2. PRICE
3. PAYMENT译
4. PACKING
5.
IN WITHNESS WHEREOF, this contract has been executed effective as of the date first above written.
THE BUYER THE SELLER
___________ ___________
By:__________ By:__________
Date:------------_________ Date:------------_________
THE END USER
___________
By: __________
Date: --------____-_________
比起前两个合同，该买卖合同的不同之处于在于，合同开头出现了合同编号和签署日期，当事人名称或姓名采用简单列举式。证明部分用完成时被动态，最后落款处SIGNED BY项目，但增加了最终用户一项。
D. 日本
SERVICE AGREEMENT
This agreement is made and entered into on March 1st ,2001, by and between______ LTD (hereinafter referred to as "PARTY A"), and ________CO., LTD. ((hereinafter referred to as "PARTY B")
WITNESSTH:
WHEREAS, PARTY B has requested by PARTY A to dispatch its personal for the purpose of _______ to PARTY b; and
WHEREAS, (PARTY A is willing to dispatch its personnel t PARTY B in response to such PARTY B's request)
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants herein contained , the parties hereto agree as follows:
1.
2.
3.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first herinabove written.
______ Ltd. ________ Co., Ltd.
(signature) (signature)
MANAGING DIRECTOR MANAGING DIRECTOR
该合同也由四大部分构成，与上述合同最大的不同在于，在叙述部分上端加了一个WITNESSETH（鉴于），最后落款处也没有SIGNED BY 项目，但授权签字代表的职位真接打出来，放在签字的下一行。别外，当事人的简称部分用的都是大写。
相比之下，英文合同除个别地方外，整个合同的段落排列，句式和用词大同小异。在草拟英文合同时，只要仿用上述任何一个，都算是地道的英文表达。
用词特点(formal term)
合同英语的用词极其考究，具有特定性。要求选词专业化（professional）、正式（formal）、准确（accurate）。具体体现在下列方面：
1． May, shall, must ,may not (或shall not) 的使用，May, shall , must ,may not (或shall not)对学过英语的人再熟悉不过，但在合同中用这些词时要极其谨慎。权利义务的约见定部分构成了合同的主体。这几个词如选用不当，可能会引起纠纷。
may 旨在约定当事人的权利（可以做什么），Shall约定当事人的义务（应当做什么时候）， must 用于强制性义务（必须做什么），may not (或shall not)用于禁止性义务（不得做什么）。May do 不能说成can do， shall do, 不能说成should do 或ought to do， may not do 在美国一些法律文件可以用shall not，但绝不能用can not do或must not ) 例如，在约定解决争议的途径时的，可以说
The parties hereto shall, first of all, settle any dispute arising from or in connection with the contract by friendly negotiations.
Should such negotiations fail, such dispute may be referred to the People's Court having jurisdiction on such dispute for settlement in the absence of any arbitration clause in the disputed contract or in default of agreement reached after such dispute occurs.
本句中的shall 和may表达准确。出现争议后应当先行协商，所以采用了义务性“约定”，如果协商解决不了，作为当事人的权利，用选择性约定may也很妥当。如果may和shall调换位置会怎么样？前半句的shall换用may后，意思变成了当事人可以通过协商解决，意思上说得过去，但后半句的may换用shall 后，变成了应当诉讼解决，好象一出事，就要先见官，这就有些不友好了。
本句可译：双方首先应通过友好协商，解决因合同而发生的或与合同有关的争议。如果协商未果，合同中又无仲裁条款约定或争议发生后未就仲裁达成协方的，可将争议提交有管辖权的人民法院解决。
2．正式用语（formal term）
合同英语有着严肃的风格，与其它英语作品有很大不同。
例如：
“因为”的短语多用“by virtue of "，远远多于“due to”一般不用“because of ”；
“财务年度末”一般用“at the close of the fiscal year”，而不用“in the end of the fiscal year”；
“在……之前”一般用“prior to”，而不用“before”；
“关于”常用“as regards”，“concerning”或“relating to”，而不会用“about”；
“事实上”用“in effect”，而不用“in fact”；
“开始”用“commencement”,而不用“start”或“begin”；
“停止做”用“cease to do”，而不用“stop to do”；
“何时开会并由某某主持”的表述为：The meeting shall be convened and presided by sb.
其中“召开”不用“hold 或call”，而用“convene”；“主持”不用“chair”或“be in charge of ”，而用“preside”；
“其他事项”用“miscellaneous”, 而不用“other matters/events”；
“理解合同”用“construe a contract” 或“comprehend a contract”，而不用“understand a contract”;
“认为”用“deem”，用“consider”少，不用“think”或“believe”；
“愿意做”用“intend to do”或“desire to do”，而不用“want to do”, “wish to do”。
三、用词专业（technical terms）
合同用词不以大众是否理解和接受为转移，它是合同语言准确表达的保障。如合同出现的“瑕疵”、“救济”、“不可抗力”、“管辖”、“损毁”、“灭失”等就可能让非行业人士费解，在英语以上表达分别为defect、remedy、force majuere/Act of God、jurisdiction、damage and/or loss)。另外几乎每个合同都少不了hereinafter referred to as , whereas, in witness whereof, for and on behalf of , hereby, thereof 等虚词。这也是合同英语的一大特色。
其它例子还有：
“赔偿”用“indemnities”，而不用“compensation”
“不动产转让”用“conveyance”，而不用“transfer of real estate”
“房屋出租”用“tenancy”，而“财产出租”用“lease of property”
“停业”用“wind up a business”或“cease (名词是cessation) a business”,而不用“end/stop a business”
专利许可中的“特许权使用费”只用“royalities”
还款或专利申请的“宽限期”英文“grace”,
“当事人在破产中的和解”用“composition”
以实物出资为“investment in kind”
“依照合同相关规定”一般说“pursuant to provisions contained herein”或“as provided herein”等，不说“according to relevant terms and conditions in the contract”
“合同任何一方当事人不得转让本合同”英文表述为“Neither party hereto may assign this contract”，其中“hereto”表示“to the contract”，选用“Neither party to the contract”较少。
3．同义词、近义词、相关词的序列
FOR value RECEIVED，the undersigned does hereby sell, transfer, assign and set over to ______ all his right, tile and interest in and to a certain contract dated ______, 19____ by and between the undersigned and ______，a copy of which is annexed hereto.
在这里的同义词和近义词并列（如sell, transfer, assign and set over，right和 tile and interest），在英文合同里十分普遍。这是出于严谨和杜绝漏洞的考虑，有的也属于合同用语的固定模式。如：
This agreement is made and entered into by and between Party A and Party B.句中“made and entered into”和“by and between”两组分别属于同义词和相关词并列。
For and in consideration of mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereby covenant and agree as follows: 句中“for and in consideration of ”，“covenants and agreement s”三组同义司和近义词并列。
The parties have agreed to vary the Management on the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein. 这里的“on the terms”和“subject to the conditions”是一个意思都表示“依照本协议的条款规定”。合同条款的固定模式是“terms and conditions”
再例如：
“Party A wishes to be released and discharged from agreement as from the effective date”，一句中的“release”和“discharge”意思几乎相同。
并列的词还有：
ships and vessels
support and maintenance
licenses and permits
涉外商务英语合同的语言特色体现在以下几个方面： 第一部分、用词方面 多用正式或法律上的用词，与口头表述不同，合同是法律性的正式书面文件，使用正式的、法律的用词是必要的。合同起草者应多加强这方面的学习。比如： 1、At the request of Party B, Party A agrees to send technicians to assist Party B to install the equipment. 应乙方要求，甲方同意派遣技术人员帮助乙方安装设备。assist 较help 正式； 2、The personnel shall not to partake in any political activities in Iraq. 所有人员不得参加伊拉克国内的任何政治活动。partake in 较take part in 正式； 3、The Employer shall render correct technical guidance to the personnel. 雇主应该对有关人员给予正确技术指导。render 较give 正式； 4、Party A shall repatriate the patient to China and bear the cost of his passage to Guangzhou. 甲方应将病人遣返中国并负责其返回广州的旅费。repatriate 较send back 正式； 5、This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of China. 本合同受中国法律管辖，并按中国法律解释。construe 较explain，interpret 正式； 6、The Employer may object to and require the Contractor to replace forthwith any of its authorized representatives who is incompetent. 雇主认为承包人委派的授权代表不合格时，可以反对并要求立即撤换。require较ask正式；公文体forthwith 较at once 正式； 7、The Chairperson may convene an interim meeting based on a proposal made by one-third of the total number of directors. 董事长可以根据董事会过1/3董事的提议而召集临时董事会议。convene，interim 都是正式用词。 8、In case one party desires to sell or assign all or part of its investment subscribed, the other party shall have the preemptive right. 如一方想出售或转让其投资之全部或部分，另一方有优先购买权。法律用词assign 较
外贸合同 Contract( sales confirmation) 合同编号(Contract No.): _______________ 签订日期(Date) :＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_ 签订地点(Signed at) :＿＿＿＿＿＿＿____ 买方：＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿The Buyer:＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 地址：＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿Address: ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿电话(Tel):___＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿传真(Fax):＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 电子邮箱(E-mail):＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 卖方：＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿The Seller:＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿地址：＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿Address: ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_＿电话(Tel):_＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿传真(Fax):＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 电子邮箱(E-mail):＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿
买卖双方同意按照下列条款签订本合同： The Seller and the Buyer agree to conclude this Contract subject to the terms and conditions stated below: 1. 货物名称、规格和质量（Name, Specifications and Quality of Commodity）： 2. 数量（Quantity）： 允许＿＿＿＿的溢短装（＿＿＿% more or less allowed） 3. 单价（Unit Price）： 4. 总值（Total Amount）： 5. 交货条件(Terms of Delivery) FOB/CFR/CIF＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 6. 原产地国与制造商(Country of Origin and Manufacturers): 7. 包装及标准（Packing）： 货物应具有防潮、防锈蚀、防震并适合于远洋运输的包装，由于货物包装不良而造成的货物残损、灭失应由卖方负责。卖方应在每个包装箱上用不褪色的颜色标明尺码、包装箱号码、毛重、净重及“此端向上”、“防潮”、“小心轻放”等标记。 The packing of the goods shall be preventive from dampness, rust, moisture, erosion and shock, and shall be suitable for ocean transportation/ multiple transportation. The Seller shall be liable for any damage and loss of the goods attributable to the inadequate or improper packing. The measurement, gross weight, net weight and the cautions such as "Do not stack up side down", "Keep away from moisture", "Handle with care" shall be stenciled on the surface of each package with fadeless pigment. 8. 唛头（Shipping Marks）： 9. 装运期限（Time of Shipment）：
合同签订常用英语句子 Mr. Zhang sings the contract on behalf of the China National Silk Import Export Corporation. 张先生代表中国丝绸进出口总公司在合同上签了字。 A Japanese company and SINOCHEM have entered into a new contract. 中国化工进出口总公司已经和日本一家公司签订了一份新合同。 It was because of you that we landed the contract. 因为有了你，我们才签了那份合同。 We offered a much lower price, so they got the contract. 由于我们报价低，他们和我们签了合同。 Are we anywhere near a contract yet? 我们可以(接近于)签合同了吗? We sign a contract when we are acting as principals.( principals refers to the seller and the buyer ) 当我们作为货主时都要签订合同。(这里的货主指合同中的卖方和买方) I know we (the seller) should draw up a contract and the buyer has to sign it. 我们知道我们(卖方)应该拟出一份合同，买方必须签署合同。 We should simultaneously sign two contracts, one sales contract for beef and mutton, and the other contract of equal value for the purchase of cotton.
国际技术咨询服务合同（中英文） Technical Consultancy Service Contract 合同号：Contract No________________ 签订日期：Date of Signature:________________ 签订地点：Place of Signature:________________ 中国____________公司（以下简称委托方）为一方，______国______________ 公 司（以下简称为咨询方）为另一方，双方就_____________的技术咨询服务，授权双方代表按下列条款签订本合同。 This Contract is made and entered into through friendly negotiation by and between China____________________ (hereina fter referred to as “Client”), as one party, and____________________ (hereinafter referred to as“Consultant”),as the other party, concerning the technical consultancy service of__________, under the following terms and conditions: 第一条合同内容 Article 1 Contents of Technical Consultancy Service 1.1 委托方希望获得咨询方就_____提供的技术咨询服务，而咨询方愿意提供此项服务。 Whereas Client desires to obtain the technical consultancy service of from Consultant and Consultant has agreed to perform such services. 1.2 技术咨询服务范围详见本合同附件一。 The Scope of Technical Services is defined in Appendix 1. 1.3 技术咨询服务的进度安排详见本合同附件二。 The Time Schedule for the Services is shown in Appendix 2. 1.4 技术咨询服务的人员安排见本合同附件三。 The Manning Schedule is described in Appendix 3. 1.5 技术咨询服务自合同生效之日起_____个月内完成，将在_____个月内提交最终技术咨询报告，包括图纸、设计资料、各类规范和图片等。咨询方应免费通报委托方类似工程的最近发展和任何进展，以便委托方能改进该工程的设计。 Consultant shall complete the Services within__________months from the Effective Date of this Contract and furnish the final technical service report, including drawings, designing documents, all kinds of standards and photos, within____months. Consultant shall keep aware, free of charge, Client of the latest development of similar projects and any progress made in order to improve the designing of the project.
英语合同的特点(2) 英语合同的用词特点(Formal term) 合同英语的用词极其考究，具有特定性。要求选词专业化（professional）、正式（formal）、准确（aurate）。具体体现在下列方面： 1、May, shall, must ,may not (或shall not) 的使用 May, shall , must ,may not (或shall not)对学过英语的人再熟悉不过，但在合同中用这些词时要极其谨慎。权利义务的约见定部分构成了合同的主体。这几个词如选用不当，可能会引起纠纷。 may 旨在约定当事人的权利（可以做什么），Shall约定当事人的义务（应当做什么时候）， must 用于强制性义务（必须做什么），may not (或shall not)用于禁止性义务（不得做什么）。May do __成can do shall do， __成should do 或ought to do，may not do 在美国一些法律文件可以用shall not，但绝不能用can not do或must not ) 例如，在约定解决争议的途径时的，可以说：
The parties hereto shall, first of all, settle any dispute arising from or in connection with the contract by friendly negotiations. Should such negotiations fail, such dispute may be referred to the People's Court having jurisdiction on such dispute for settlement in the absence of any arbitration clause in the disputed contract or in default of agreement reached after such dispute ours. 本句中的shall 和may表达准确。出现争议后应当先行协商，所以采用了义务性“约定”，如果协商解决不了，作为当事人的权利，用选择性约定may也很妥当。如果may和shall 调换位置会怎么样？前半句的shall换用may后，意思变成了当事人可以通过协商解决，意思上说得过去，但后半句的may换用shall 后，变成了应当诉讼解决，好象一出事，就要先见官，这就有些不友好了。 本句可译：双方首先应通过友好协商，解决因合同而发生的或与合同有关的争议。如果协商未果，合同中又无仲裁条款约定或争议发生后未就仲裁达成协方的，可将争议提交有管辖权的 __解决。 2、正式用语（formal term） 合同英语有着严肃的风格，与其它英语作品有很大不同。
编号：_______________本资料为word版本，可以直接编辑和打印，感谢您的下载 英语合同的特点和翻译 甲方：___________________ 乙方：___________________ 日期：___________________
一.用词特点与翻译要点 合同英语的用词极其考究，具有特定性1.要求选词专业化（professional）,正式（formal）. 准确（accurate）.具体体现在下列方面： 1, may, shall, must, may not （或shall not）的使用 may旨在约定当事人的权利（可以做什么），shall约定当事人的义务（应当做什么时候）， must用于强制性义务（必须做什么），may not（或shall not）用于禁止性义务（不得做什么）。May not do在美国一些法律文件可以用shall not,但绝不能用can not do或must not，但 may do不能。 2, 用语正式（formal） 合同英语有着严肃的风格，如"因为"的短语多用" by virtue of ",远远多于"due to" 一般不用a because of;" 财务年度末 "一般用"at the close of the fiscal year",而不用"in the end of the fiscal year";"在之前"一 般用 ................... "prior to ",而不用"before"; 关于 "常用" as regards’, concerning '或"relating to ",而不会用"about";"事实上" 用"in effect",而不用"in fact":"开始" 用 "commencement",而不用"start"或"begin";"停止做" 用"cease to do",而不用"stop to do";何时开会并由某 某主持"的表述为：The meeting shall be convened and presided by sb. 其中"召开" 不用"hold 或call",而用"convene";"主持’不用"chair" 或"be in charge of "而用"preside";"其他事项" 用"miscellaneous",而不用"other matters/events"; 理解合同"用"construe a contract"或"comprehend a contract"或"comprehend a contract",而不用"understand a contract";"认为"用"deem",用"consider"少，不用”think”或"believe". 3, 用词专业（technical） 合同用词不以大众是否理解和接受为转移，它是合同语言准确表达的保障。如合同出现的” 瑕疵”，”救济“，“不可抗力”，“管辖”，“毁损”，“失业”等就可能让非行业人士费 解，在英语以上表达分另U为defect ,remedy, force 马绝热，jurisdiction , damage and/or loss。 另夕卜几乎每个合同者E 少不了hereinafter referred to as, whereas, in witness whereof, for and on behalf of, hereby,用"compensation"; 不动产转让 " 用"conveyance",而不用"transfer of real estate";"房屋出租"用"tendency",而"财产出租"用"lease of property";"停止"用"wind up a business" 或"cease （名词是cessation） a business,而不用"end/stop a business"; 依照合同相关规定“或一般说"pursuant to provisions contained herein"或"as provided herein" 等，不说'according to relevant terms and conditions in the contract ”。 4, 同义词，近义词，相关词的并列使用 英文合同出于严谨和杜绝漏洞的考虑，made and entered into", by and between", for and in consideration of", covenants and agreements", 6n the terms and subject to the conditions" terms and conditions" "release and discharge' 5, 古英语与外来词的应用（borrowing words） 使用古英语最为突出的是较多使用here, there, where加后缀in, by after, from 等介词构成的 词。在法律文件中用这些词，可以避免重复，避免歧义，使行文准确，简洁。常用例词 如下: hereafter, hereby, herein, hereof, hereto, hereunder, hereupon, herewith, hereinbefore, hereinafter, thereafter, thereby, therein, thereinafter, thereinbefore, thereon, thereof, thereunder, thereupon, therewith, whereas, whereby, wherein, whereof, whereon, etc. 合同中也会使用一些外来词汇，常用的有拉丁语和法语词汇。如比例税率：用pro rate tax rate要比proportional tax rate多；从事慈善性服务的律师：pro bono lawyer,不经常用lawyer engaged in charitable legal assistance, 委托代理人多用agent ad litem
S ALES CONTRA C T NOo : BS0812 5 DATE： NOV. 6 , 2008 THE S ELLER： BLUE SKY INTE R NATI0 NAL TRADING CO o ,LTD ? 118# 5TH NORTH RI NG ROAD, BE I GINQ P.R. CHINA THE BUYER： STAR CORPORATION 5 KINGROA D DU BAI, UAE T h i s C o ntra c t is made by and b e tw e e n the Buyer and S e llei; wh e reby the Buy e r agree to bu y and the Seller a gree to sell the un d ermen tioned c ommodity a c c ording to t lie term s a nd co n ditions st i pulat e d b e 1 o w 数量和金额可以上下浮动5% P A C K I NG： 2 0 piece s of Baby B 1 anke t s a r e p acked i n one
expo r t sta n dar d c a rt o n, solid co 1 or and s ize i n the s a me c a r ton. 包装：2 0条童毯被装进-项输出品标准硬纸盒、一样颜色利尺寸的装在相同的硬纸盒。 MAR KS： Shipping m a rk i n c 1 udes S TAR ,S/C No。,sty 1 e No o , port o f des tina t ion and c a r t on N o .陵头：运输吱头包括S TA R （公司名）、合同（sal e s contract）号码，款式号码，目的港和纸箱号码 Side mark m u st s how the co 1 o r t the s i ze of c a rton and p i ece s p e r carto n ? 侧唆头必须显示纸箱颜色，规格和每箱（童毯）条数 T I ME OF SHIPMENT：装运期 Wi t liin 60daysupon receip t o f the L / C wh i c h acc ord with relevant c buses o ft h i s Contract。收到符合合同的信用证^六十天内 POR T OF LOADI NG AND DESTINAT I ON：FromTianj i n, Chi nato Dub a i, UAE 装运港目的港 T r an s shipment i s all owed an d p artial shipme nt i s pro h i b i te d o 转运被允许，而且分批装运被禁止. IN S URANCE： To beeffecte d b y the Sei 1 e r for 1 1 0% o f inv o i c e value c ov e r in g Al 1 Ris k s and War Risk s a s p er CIC o f PICC d ated 01/01/1981.保险：卖方按合同金额的110%投保包含的一切险和战争险依照1981年的P I CC规则的CIC条约。 TERMS OF PAYMENT： By irrev o c able Let t er of Cre d i t at 60 d ay s a f t er s igh t, reaching the S e 1 1 er not 1 a te r t han Nov.30, 200 8 an d rem a in i ng v a li d f or n e gotiation in Ch i n a fo r f ur t her 15 days after th e a ffected s hipment o I n c a se of late ar r i v al of the L/C, the Se 1 1 er s hall not be liable for any d e lay i n ship me n t and shall ha v e the right t o res c i n d the c o ntra c t and / o r c 1 aim for damages0付款期限：不可撤销信用证，见票后6 0天付款.卖方收到信用证不得晚于08年月30号.偿付通知议付在中国装船后15天内提交单据，如果信用证迟到,卖方将不负责装船中的任何延迟而且将有权利废止合同和I或损害要求（赔偿）。 DOCUMENTS：文件 +Si g n e d invoice i n t r ipli cate, one or i g i nal o f w hicli s lioul d b e c ertifiedby Chamber of Com mere e o r CCPIT an d legalize d b y UAE em b ass y/co n su 1 ate in sei 1 er's country ? +签署的单据一式三份，一份正本应该被商会或CC PIT （贸促会）检定而且在卖方的国家被阿拉伯联合大公国大使馆I领事法律上认为正当。 +Ful 1 set （3/3） of c 1 ean on board o cean b i 11 o f lading ma r k e d <4fr e ight pr e paid" made out t o orde r blank en d o r sed n o t i fying th e app 1 icant. +全套（3 I 3）清洁海运提单标记"船货预付”空白抬头提单通知申请人。 +In s u r a n ce polic y i n dup lica te end o r s ed in b 1 a nk. +保险单一式两份空白背书。 +P a c k ing list i n t r i p 1 i c ate o +包装目录一式三份 + Cer t if i c at e of ori g in c erti f i e d by Cham b er of C o mmerce o r C CP I T and 1 e ga 1 i zed by U AE em b as s y/consulate in s e lie r "s countr y ?
英文合同合同常用词 第一节合同常用词(Usual Wording)(1) 当大量接触英文合同，就会发现英文合同中有些词或短语出现的频率非常高，往往影响或决定了对 合同的准确理解，下面就分门别类从常见实词和常见虚词两个方面进行具体介绍： 一、英文合同常用虚词（Usual Function Words） 1．Here/there/where+介词构成的古体词 基本规则：Here 代表this，there 代表that，where 代表which 或what 即here/there/where+介词=介词 +this/that/which or what Hereby: by means of; by reason of this.特此，由此，兹等意。 例句：The Buyer hereby orders from the Seller the undermentioned goods
subject to the following conditions:买方向卖方订购下列商品，条件如下： Herein：in this。此中，于此。 例句：The minimum royalty herein specified shall be paid by Party B to Party A. 在此规定的最低特许权 使用费应由乙方付给甲方。 Hereinafter: later in the same Contract. 以下，在下文。通常与to be referred to as, referred as, called 连 用。 例句：This Agreement is made and concluded on ______, (date)____(year), by and between _____(hereinafter called Party A) on the one hand and _____(hereinafter called Party B) on the other hand. 本协议书于____年___月___日由_____（以下简称甲方）为一方，与_____(以下简称乙方)为另一方 签订。
编号：_____________ 国际技术咨询服务合同 委托方：___________________________ 咨询方：___________________________ 签订日期：_______年______月______日
中国________________________公司（以下简称委托方）为一方，_____国 __________________________ 公司（以下简称为咨询方）为另一方，双方就 _________________________的技术咨询服务，授权双方代表按下列条款签订本合同。 This Contract is made and entered into through friendly negotiation by and between China_________________________ (hereinafter referred to as “Client”)， as one party， and__________________________ (hereinafter referred to as“Consultant”)，as the other party， concerning the technical consultancy service of________________________， under the following terms and conditions: 第一条合同内容 Article 1 Contents of Technical Consultancy Service 1.1 委托方希望获得咨询方就___________________________提供的技术咨询服务，而咨询方愿意提供此项服务。 Whereas Client desires to obtain the technical consultancy service of from Consultant and Consultant has agreed to perform such services. 1.2 技术咨询服务范围详见本合同附件一。 The Scope of Technical Services is defined in Appendix 1. 1.3 技术咨询服务的进度安排详见本合同附件二。 The Time Schedule for the Services is shown in Appendix 2. 1.4 技术咨询服务的人员安排见本合同附件三。 The Manning Schedule is described in Appendix 3.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT Contract No.: Employer (Party A): Employee (Party B): This Employment Contract is made and entered into on the day of______ , ______by and between______ (hereinafter referred to as“Party A”) and ______ (hereinafter referred to a s“ Party B”). 1. Obligations of T wo Parties Party A hereby employs Party B and Party B hereby accepts to be employed by Party A to serve and perform the duties required of him in the job category provided below: (1) ______ (2) ______ (3) ______ … 2. Service Period The term of this Contract shall be for the period of______, commencing upon ______, ______and ending on ______, ______. 3. Working Hours and Working Days Party B’s work days, hours and workweek shall be______ to ______, from ______ to______ , for a total______ hours per week. 4. Salary
看了之后明白了很多英文“之乎者也”所对应的现代文，对合同英语的结构和特色也有了大概的了解。值得一看。 Contract 与Agreement的有无区别 在英语中，合同一般称为Contract，协议一般称为Agreement. 何谓“contract”？ 1999年中国《合同法》第二条对contract定义为：A contact in this Law refers to an agreement establishing，modifying and terminating the civil rights and obligations between subjects of equal footing，that is，between natural persons，legal persons or other organizations“。根据这一定义，合同平等主体之间设立的确定民事权利和义务的协议。 Steven H. Gifts编著的“Law Dictionary”中将contract 定义为“contract is a promise，or a set of promises，for breach of which the law gives remedy，or the performance of the which the law in some way recognize as a duty.”根据这一定义，合同是一种承诺，违反承诺可以得到法律救助，某种意义上法律将履行该承诺看做是一种补偿。 L.B Curzon 在其编撰的字典“A Dictionary of Law”给contract的定义：“Contract is a legally binding agreement”根据这一定义，合同就是有法律约束力的协议。 (来源：英语学习门户网站http://biz.doczj.com/doc/ed3231053.html,) 综合起来，有一个相同点，就是“Contract is an agreement”，即可将合同说成是“An agreement which binds the parties concerned”或者说合同说成是“An agreement which is enforceable by law”，也可以说：Contracts are promises that the law will enforce. ， 何谓“Agreement”？， L.B “A consensus of mind，or evidence of such consensus，in spoke or written form，relating to anything done or to be done.” 根据这一定义，协议是对已经做或准备做的相关事宜，经过谈判、协商后取得一致意见，以口头或书面形式做出的约定。 Black "Law Dictionary"有两个定义。一个是：“A concord of understanding and intention between two or more parties with respect to the effect upon their relative rights and duties，of certain past or future facts or performance”根据这一定义，协议即双方或多方京某些过去或将来某些事实的相关权利、义务或相关权利、义务的履行而达成的一致理解和愿望。 另一个是：“The consent of two or more persons concurring respecting the transmission of some property，right or benefits，with the view of contacting an obligation，a mutual obligation.”根据这一定义，协议即两个或多个当事人，为了约定单方责任或相互责任，就财产权利、利益的转移取得的一致同意。(来源：专业英语学习网站http://biz.doczj.com/doc/ed3231053.html,)
外贸合同常用条款中英文对照 1)买方须于____年__月__日前开到本批交易的信用证(或通知售方进口许可证号码),并须售方有权;不经通知取消本确认书，或接受买方对本约未执行的全部或一部分,或对因此遭受的损失提出索赔。 The Buyer shall have the covering Letter of Credit reach the Seller(or notify the Import License Number) before failing which the Seller reserves the right to rescind without further notice. (2)凡以 C.I.F条件成交的业务，保额为发票价的100%,投保险别以本售货确认书中所开列的为限,买方如要求增加保额或保险范围,应于装船前经售方同意,因此而增加的保险非由买方负 责。 For transaction concluded on C.I. F.basis,it is understood that the insurance amount will be for 100%,of the invoice value against the risks specified in the Sales Confirmation.If additional insuranceamount or coverage is required, the Buyer must have the consent of the Seller before Shipment,and the additional preminum is to be borne by the Buyer. (3)品质/数量异议: 如买方提出索赔,凡属品质异议须于货到目的口岸之日起3个月内提出,凡属数量异议须于货到目的口岸之日起15天内提出, 对所装货物所提任何异议属于保险公司,轮船公司其他有关运输机构或邮递机构所负责者,售方不负责任何责任。 QUALITY/QUANTITYDISCREPANCY:
1、本合同用英文和中文两种文字写成，一式四份。双方执英文本和中文本各一式两份，两种文字具有同等效力。 The contract is made out in English and Chinese languages in quadruplicate, both texts being equally authentic, and each Party shall hold two copies of each text. 2、本合同由双方代表于1999年12月9日签订。合同签订后，由各方分别向本国政府当局申请批准，以最后一方的批准日期为本合同的生效日期，双方应力争在60天内获得批准，用电传通知对方，并用信件确认。若本合同自签字之日起，6个月仍不能生效，双方有权解除本合同。 This contract is signed by the authorized representatives of both parties on Dec. 9, 1999. After signing the contract, both parties shall apply to their respective Government Authorities for ratification. The date of ratification last obtained shall be taken as the effective date of the Contract. Both parties shall exert their utmost efforts to obtain the ratification within 60 days and shall advise the other party by telex and thereafter send a registered letter for confirmation. 3、本合同有效期从合同生效之日算起共10年，有效期满后，本合同自动失效。 The contract shall be valid for 10 years from the effective date of the contract, on the expiry of the validity term of contract, the contract shall automatically become null and void. 4、本合同期限届满时，双方发生的未了债权和债务不受合同期满的影响，债务人应向债权人继续偿付未了债务。 The outstanding （未了的）claims and liabilities（债权和债务）existing between both parties on the expiry of the validity of the contract shall not be influenced by the expiration of this contract. The debtor shall be kept liable until the debtor fully pays up his debts to the creditor. 附上商务英语常用词汇 Agreement and contract（协议与合同） agency agreement 代理协议 agreement on general terms and conditions on business 一般经营交易条件的协议 agreement on loan facilities up to a given amount商定借款协议 agreement fixing price共同定价协议