結着

けっちゃく
resolution

交渉は最終的に結着した。

The negotiations finally reached a resolution.


formal

the final resolution or settlement of a matter, especially after a prolonged process

事件の真相が明らかになり、裁判は結着を迎えた。

The truth of the incident was revealed, and the trial reached its resolution.

長年の研究が結着を迎えた。

Years of research finally came to a conclusion.

Often used in contexts involving disputes, negotiations, or long-term efforts.

literary

the act of tying or binding something together

糸を結着する技術は古来より受け継がれている。

The technique of tying threads has been passed down since ancient times.

Rarely used in modern contexts; primarily found in classical or technical writing.

Collocations

結着をつけるto bring to a conclusion結着がつくto reach a resolution

Related Phrases

決着がつくphrase
to reach a conclusion (more casual than 結着)

Pro Tip

When to use 結着 vs. 決着

Use 結着 for formal, weighty matters (e.g., lawsuits, negotiations). Use 決着 for everyday situations (e.g., arguments, games). 結着 implies a more deliberate or ceremonial resolution.

Gold Rule

Formality in writing

In formal writing (e.g., newspapers, legal documents), 結着 is preferred over 決着. For example: 「交渉は結着を迎えた」 (The negotiations reached a resolution) is more appropriate than 「交渉は決着した」 in formal contexts.

Word Origin

From the verb 結ぶ (musubu, 'to tie, bind') + 着く (tsuku, 'to arrive, reach'), forming a compound verb meaning 'to reach a final binding' or 'to conclude'. The noun form 結着 emerged in the Edo period (1603–1868) as a formal term for final resolution.

Usage Notes

Prefer 解決 (kaiketsu) for general problem-solving. 結着 emphasizes the finality and often implies a prolonged or complex process. Common in legal, business, and academic contexts.

Word Breakdown

結
to tie, bind
root
+
着
to arrive, reach
root
和英辞典