締結

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 締結 (ていけつ) combines binding 締 and joining 結 to denote formally concluding an agreement.
• Basic usage: It applies to companies signing a joint-development contract and final preparations for an accord.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Final conclusion versus negotiation
  • 締結する marks the parties completing the agreement, not merely discussing possible terms.