Phrase in 30 Seconds
This essential phrase means 'to keep a promise' or 'to be punctual,' forming the foundation of trust in Korean social life.
- Means: To follow through on a verbal or written commitment or appointment.
- Used in: Social gatherings, business deadlines, and personal relationships to show reliability.
- Don't confuse: With just '지키다' (to guard/protect), which requires an object like '약속' to mean 'keep a promise'.
Explicación a tu nivel:
Significado
To fulfill an agreement or commitment.
Contexto cultural
Punctuality is now considered a vital part of 'In-seong' (character). Being late to a business meeting is often seen as a sign that you are not serious about the partnership. The concept of 'Sinyong' (trust) was one of the five cardinal virtues. Keeping one's word was seen as the difference between a 'Jun-ja' (noble person) and a 'So-in' (base person). In traditional private financial clubs called 'Gye', members had to strictly '약속을 지키다' regarding payments. Failure to do so meant social ostracization from the entire village. Idols often make 'promises' to fans (e.g., 'If we win #1, we will dance in animal costumes'). Fans hold them to these, and '약속 지키는 아이돌' (idols who keep their promises) gain more loyalty.
The 5-Minute Rule
In Korea, 'keeping the promise' often means arriving 5-10 minutes early. Arriving exactly on time is okay, but being early is better.
Don't just say '지키다'
Always include the object '약속을'. Saying just '지켰어요' without context can be confusing as it could mean you guarded a building or kept a secret.
The 5-Minute Rule
In Korea, 'keeping the promise' often means arriving 5-10 minutes early. Arriving exactly on time is okay, but being early is better.
Don't just say '지키다'
Always include the object '약속을'. Saying just '지켰어요' without context can be confusing as it could mean you guarded a building or kept a secret.
Use with '꼭'
To sound more sincere when making a promise, add '꼭' (surely/definitely): '약속 꼭 지킬게요!'
The Pinky Swear
In Korea, the pinky swear is called '약속' and is often followed by '도장' (stamp) and '복사' (copy) using the thumbs and palms. It's the ultimate visual of '약속을 지키다'.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '지키다'.
신뢰를 얻으려면 친구와의 약속을 꼭 ______.
The sentence is giving advice ('To gain trust...'), so the imperative/polite request form '지키세요' is most appropriate.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm sorry I'm late'?
약속 시간에 늦었을 때 뭐라고 할까요?
'못 지켜서' means 'because I couldn't keep it,' which is the standard apology for being late.
Match the Korean phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the four core collocations involving '약속'.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 내일 3시에 꼭 오세요. 나: 네, 걱정 마세요. ______.
The speaker is making a commitment for the future, so '지킬게요' (I will keep it) is correct.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Keep vs. Break
Banco de ejercicios
5 ejercicios신뢰를 얻으려면 친구와의 약속을 꼭 ______.
The sentence is giving advice ('To gain trust...'), so the imperative/polite request form '지키세요' is most appropriate.
약속 시간에 늦었을 때 뭐라고 할까요?
'못 지켜서' means 'because I couldn't keep it,' which is the standard apology for being late.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the four core collocations involving '약속'.
가: 내일 3시에 꼭 오세요. 나: 네, 걱정 마세요. ______.
The speaker is making a commitment for the future, so '지킬게요' (I will keep it) is correct.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasNo, it also applies to any verbal agreement, like promising to quit smoking or finishing a task.
The opposite is '약속을 어기다' (to break a promise).
Yes, it is very professional. For even more formality, use '약속을 엄수하다'.
You can say '약속을 지키려고 노력할게요'.
Generally, no. It's best to call or text as soon as you know you'll be late to say you might not be able to '약속을 지키다'.
It is a regular verb. It conjugates to 지켜요, 지킵니다, 지켰어요, etc.
Use the phrase '약속을 못 지키게 됐어요' (I've come to not be able to keep the promise).
Yes, '약속' is the standard word for any social appointment, including dates.
For legal contracts, '계약을 이행하다' (to fulfill a contract) is more common, but '약속을 지키다' is fine for general talk.
'하다' is to make the promise; '지키다' is the action of maintaining it until it's done.
It's slang for 'to flake' or ignore a promise. It's very informal and can be rude.
You can say '약속을 잘 지키는 사람' or '신용이 있는 사람'.
Frases relacionadas
약속을 어기다
contrastTo break a promise
시간을 지키다
specialized formTo be on time
말을 지키다
similarTo keep one's word
신용을 쌓다
builds onTo build credit/trust
공약을 지키다
specialized formTo keep a public/political pledge
Dónde usarla
Meeting a friend for coffee
지수: 우리 2시에 만나기로 했잖아. 왜 아직 안 와?
민호: 미안해, 차가 막혀서... 다음에는 꼭 약속 지킬게!
Job Interview
면접관: 본인의 가장 큰 장점은 무엇입니까?
지원자: 저는 사소한 약속이라도 반드시 지키는 정직함이 장점입니다.
Parent and Child
아이: 아빠, 오늘 놀이공원 가기로 했잖아요!
아빠: 그럼, 아빠는 약속을 꼭 지키는 사람이니까 지금 가자.
Business Deadline
팀장: 보고서 마감일 지킬 수 있겠어요?
대리: 네, 금요일까지 약속을 지키겠습니다.
Romantic Relationship
여자친구: 담배 끊는다고 했잖아. 약속 안 지킬 거야?
남자친구: 미안해, 이번에는 정말 약속 지키려고 노력할게.
Doctor's Appointment
간호사: 예약 시간을 지켜주셔서 감사합니다.
환자: 네, 병원 약속은 지켜야죠.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of 'Yaksok' as 'Yack-Sock'. You 'Yack' (talk) to make a promise, and then you put it in your 'Sock' to 'Jikida' (guard/keep) it safe as you walk to the meeting.
Asociación visual
Imagine a person standing in front of a giant clock, holding a golden key that locks the clock hands at the exact time of the meeting. The key represents the 'Jikida' (guarding) of the 'Yaksok' (time promise).
Rhyme
Yaksok-eul jikyeo, trust will grow higher!
Story
Min-su promised his grandmother he would visit at 3 PM. On the way, he saw a delicious bakery, but he didn't stop because he wanted to '약속을 지키다'. When he arrived exactly at 3, his grandmother was so happy she gave him a whole cake. Keeping the promise was better than the bakery!
In Other Languages
In Japanese, '約束を守る' (Yakusoku o mamoru) uses the exact same logic and characters. In English, we say 'keep a promise,' which uses the same 'keep' verb, though 'guard' (지키다) adds a slightly more protective nuance in Korean.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use '약속을 지킬게요' (I will keep the promise) at least three times today: once when setting an alarm, once when talking to a friend, and once when finishing a task.
Review this phrase on Day 1, Day 3, and Day 7. Focus on the difference between '지키다' (keep) and '어기다' (break).
Pronunciación
The 'k' sound in 'yak' is unreleased, and the 's' in 'sok' is slightly tensed.
The 'k' in 'ki' is aspirated (breathy).
Espectro de formalidad
약속을 지키겠습니다. (General commitment)
약속을 지킬게요. (General commitment)
약속 지킬게. (General commitment)
약속 깐 거 아님, 지킨다. (General commitment)
The phrase combines the Sino-Korean 'Yaksok' ({約束}) and the native Korean 'Jikida'. 'Yaksok' appeared in Korean texts as early as the Goryeo dynasty, referring to formal treaties and personal oaths.
Dato curioso
The characters for 'Yaksok' ({約束}) literally mean 'to tie a bundle.' It's like saying you've tied your words together so they can't escape!
Notas culturales
Punctuality is now considered a vital part of 'In-seong' (character). Being late to a business meeting is often seen as a sign that you are not serious about the partnership.
“Many Korean companies use fingerprint or card scanners to ensure employees '약속 시간을 지키다' (keep the time promise) for work hours.”
The concept of 'Sinyong' (trust) was one of the five cardinal virtues. Keeping one's word was seen as the difference between a 'Jun-ja' (noble person) and a 'So-in' (base person).
“Historical dramas (Sageuk) often feature protagonists who risk their lives to '약속을 지키다'.”
In traditional private financial clubs called 'Gye', members had to strictly '약속을 지키다' regarding payments. Failure to do so meant social ostracization from the entire village.
“If a member didn't keep their promise, they lost their 'Sinyong' and could never join another 'Gye'.”
Idols often make 'promises' to fans (e.g., 'If we win #1, we will dance in animal costumes'). Fans hold them to these, and '약속 지키는 아이돌' (idols who keep their promises) gain more loyalty.
“BTS Jimin's song 'Promise' (약속) is about making a promise to oneself to be honest and strong.”
Inicios de conversación
한국에서 약속 시간을 지키는 것이 왜 중요할까요?
최근에 친구와 한 약속을 지킨 적이 있나요?
약속을 잘 지키는 사람을 보면 어떤 생각이 드나요?
정치인이 공약을 지키지 않을 때 어떻게 해야 할까요?
Errores comunes
약속을 가졌어요
약속을 지켰어요
L1 Interference
약속을 만들다
약속을 하다 / 약속을 잡다
L1 Interference
약속을 기다리다
약속을 지키다
L1 Interference
약속을 보관하다
약속을 지키다
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
Cumplir una promesa
Korean '지키다' also specifically covers being on time for an appointment, whereas Spanish might use 'ser puntual'.
Tenir une promesse
The French version is more about the word given, while the Korean version is equally about the time scheduled.
Ein Versprechen halten
German has a very strong separate word for punctuality ('Pünktlichkeit'), while Korean blends it into '약속을 지키다'.
約束を守る
The usage and cultural weight are nearly identical due to shared Confucian roots.
الوفاء بالوعد
Arabic often uses religious overtones to emphasize the importance of keeping a promise.
守约 (Shǒuyuē)
In modern Mandarin, '遵守诺言' is more common for 'keeping a promise,' while '守约' is slightly more formal.
Cumprir uma promessa
Like other Romance languages, it lacks the 'guarding' metaphor found in Korean.
To keep a promise
English 'keep' is more passive, while Korean '지키다' feels like an active defense of one's word.
Spotted in the Real World
“이젠 내게 약속해... 새끼손가락 걸고”
A song about making a promise to yourself to be your own light.
“약속했잖아요. 지키라고 있는 게 약속이라고.”
Se-ri reminding Captain Ri that promises are meant to be kept.
“아버지와의 약속을 지켰습니다.”
The protagonist reflecting on his life's hardships and how he fulfilled his promise to his father.
“#약속지키기 #오운완”
Used in hashtags for 'keeping a promise to exercise' (오운완 = Today's workout finished).
Fácil de confundir
Learners often use '지키다' when they mean they are currently making the promise.
Use '하다' for the act of promising, and '지키다' for the act of doing it later.
Both use '지키다', but '비밀' is for secrets, not appointments.
If it involves a time or a specific task, use '약속'. If it involves information, use '비밀'.
Preguntas frecuentes (12)
No, it also applies to any verbal agreement, like promising to quit smoking or finishing a task.
basic understandingThe opposite is '약속을 어기다' (to break a promise).
basic understandingYes, it is very professional. For even more formality, use '약속을 엄수하다'.
usage contextsYou can say '약속을 지키려고 노력할게요'.
grammar mechanicsGenerally, no. It's best to call or text as soon as you know you'll be late to say you might not be able to '약속을 지키다'.
cultural usageIt is a regular verb. It conjugates to 지켜요, 지킵니다, 지켰어요, etc.
grammar mechanicsUse the phrase '약속을 못 지키게 됐어요' (I've come to not be able to keep the promise).
practical tipsYes, '약속' is the standard word for any social appointment, including dates.
usage contextsFor legal contracts, '계약을 이행하다' (to fulfill a contract) is more common, but '약속을 지키다' is fine for general talk.
comparisons'하다' is to make the promise; '지키다' is the action of maintaining it until it's done.
grammar mechanicsIt's slang for 'to flake' or ignore a promise. It's very informal and can be rude.
cultural usageYou can say '약속을 잘 지키는 사람' or '신용이 있는 사람'.
practical tips
