条約
じょうやく · jouyaku · JLPT N1 · noun
treaty
📜 条 = clause + 約 = promise: a treaty is a promise written as numbered clauses
条 means article or clause, and 約 means promise or agreement. Together 条約 names a formal agreement built from numbered clauses, the word used for international treaties.
条 — 攵 (tap) + 木 (tree); originally 攸 + 木
Originally written with 攸 (a flowing stream) over 木 (tree), 条 depicted slender twigs or branches of a tree. The meaning extended from 'thin branch' to any long, narrow item, then to 'strip,' 'item,' or 'article' as a measure word. The modern simplified form keeps 攵 over 木.