약속
약속 en 30 secondes
- 약속 means both 'appointment' and 'promise' in Korean.
- Use it for plans with people, but use '예약' for services like restaurants.
- Common verbs include 약속을 하다 (make), 지키다 (keep), and 어기다 (break).
- It is a core concept in Korean social etiquette and building trust.
The Korean word 약속 (yaksok) is a fundamental noun that every learner must master early in their journey. At its core, it bridges two concepts that are often distinct in English: a 'promise' and an 'appointment' or 'engagement.' In the Korean linguistic worldview, these are two sides of the same coin—a commitment made between two or more parties regarding a future action or state. Whether you are meeting a friend for coffee or swearing to keep a secret, you are making a 약속. This word carries significant weight in Korean society, where interpersonal reliability and the fulfillment of social obligations are paramount. Understanding 약속 is not just about vocabulary; it is about understanding the social glue that holds Korean relationships together.
- Primary Meaning
- A commitment to do something or to meet someone at a specific time and place.
- Social Nuance
- In Korea, breaking a 약속 without a valid reason can significantly damage one's social standing (chemyeon).
- Etymological Root
- Derived from Hanja (約束), where 約 means 'to bind' and 束 means 'to tie together.'
"친구와 6시에 만나기로 약속했어요." (I made a promise/appointment to meet my friend at 6 o'clock.)
When we look deeper into the usage of 약속, we see it functioning in various registers. In a casual setting, it might refer to a simple 'hangout' (e.g., "오늘 약속 있어?" - Do you have plans today?). In a more formal or serious context, it refers to a solemn vow or a contractual agreement. The beauty of the word lies in its versatility. It covers the spectrum from the mundane (meeting for lunch) to the profound (marital vows). Because Korean culture emphasizes the collective and the relational, the act of making a 약속 is seen as an extension of one's character. If you are someone who 'keeps their promises' (약속을 잘 지키는 사람), you are viewed as trustworthy and respectable.
"우리 비밀 지키기로 약속하자." (Let's promise to keep the secret.)
Furthermore, the word 약속 is often paired with specific verbs that change its functional meaning. '약속을 하다' is the general 'to make a promise/appointment.' '약속을 잡다' is more colloquial, meaning 'to set up a meeting' or 'to fix a date.' When you fail to show up, it is '약속을 어기다' (to break a promise) or '바람 맞히다' (to stand someone up). The cultural expectation is that once a 약속 is made, it is a binding contract of the heart. Even in business, while '예약' (reservation) is used for hotels or restaurants, '약속' is used for the actual meeting with the person. This distinction highlights the human-centric nature of the word.
"약속 장소에 늦지 마세요." (Don't be late to the appointment location.)
- Common Collocations
- 약속 시간 (appointment time), 약속 장소 (meeting place), 약속 어기다 (break a promise).
"다음 주에 다시 약속을 잡읍시다." (Let's set up another appointment next week.)
In summary, 약속 is a multi-layered term that encompasses the logistics of time management and the ethics of personal integrity. Whether you are navigating the streets of Seoul or the nuances of a Korean friendship, this word will be your constant companion. It reflects a society where your word is your bond, and your presence is a gift to others. By mastering 약속, you are not just learning a noun; you are learning the rhythm of Korean life and the value placed on mutual commitment.
"손가락 걸고 약속해." (Pinky swear/Promise with fingers crossed.)
Using 약속 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility and the specific verbs it pairs with. As a noun, it often takes the object marker '을/를' or the subject marker '이/가'. The most common verb construction is 약속을 하다 (to make a promise/appointment). However, depending on the context—whether it's a casual social gathering or a formal business meeting—the verbs and particles surrounding it will change. For beginners, the focus should be on the 'appointment' aspect, while advanced learners should explore the 'commitment' and 'vow' aspects.
- Making Plans: When you want to ask if someone is free, you say "오늘 약속 있어요?" (Do you have plans today?). Here, 약속 functions as 'plans' or 'an engagement'.
- Setting a Time: To decide on a time, you use '약속을 정하다' (to decide on a promise/time). Example: "우리 약속 시간을 정해요." (Let's decide on the appointment time).
- Breaking or Keeping: '약속을 지키다' means to keep a promise, while '약속을 어기다' means to break it. In Korean culture, '지키다' (to protect/guard) is a strong word, implying that a promise is something to be guarded.
In more formal settings, you might hear 약속을 잡다 (to catch/set an appointment). This is very common in office environments when scheduling meetings. If you need to cancel, you use 약속을 취소하다. It is important to note that '약속' is rarely used for reservations at a restaurant or hotel; for those, you must use 예약 (yeyak). Confusing these two is a common mistake for English speakers because 'appointment' can sometimes overlap with 'reservation' in English. Remember: 약속 is with people, 예약 is for services or spaces.
"이번 주말에는 선약이 있어서 못 가요." (I can't go because I have a previous engagement this weekend.)
When speaking to superiors, you might use the honorific form of the verb, but the noun '약속' remains the same. For example, "부장님과 약속이 있으십니다" (The manager has an appointment). In the context of a 'promise' to do something, the grammar pattern -(으)기로 약속하다 is frequently used. For example, "매일 운동하기로 약속했어요" (I promised to exercise every day). This pattern explicitly links the action to the commitment.
You will encounter 약속 in almost every facet of Korean life. In K-Dramas, it is a central plot device. Characters often make 'pinky promises' (손가락 걸고 약속) to meet again in the future or to keep a secret. The emotional weight of a broken 약속 often drives the conflict in romantic or melodramatic series. You'll hear phrases like "약속했잖아!" (You promised!) or "약속 꼭 지켜" (Make sure to keep your promise). These moments emphasize the moral and emotional significance of the word.
In daily social life, the question "약속 있어?" is the standard way to ask someone out or check their availability. If you are walking through a busy area like Gangnam or Hongdae, you'll hear people on their phones saying, "약속 장소 어디야?" (Where is the meeting place?). It is the go-to word for any social interaction involving a planned meeting. Even in K-Pop lyrics, 약속 is a recurring theme, often used to express a singer's devotion to their fans or a lover's vow of eternal affection. Songs like BTS's 'Promise' (약속) by Jimin highlight the word's deeply personal and introspective side.
In professional environments, the word is used for business meetings. A secretary might say, "사장님, 2시에 약속이 있으십니다" (CEO, you have an appointment at 2 o'clock). Unlike the casual 'hangout' meaning, here it carries the weight of professional obligation. You will also see it in public service announcements or advertisements, encouraging citizens to keep their 'promises' to the environment or to follow social distancing 'promises' during the pandemic. The word is ubiquitous because it defines the parameters of human interaction in Korea.
The most frequent mistake learners make is confusing 약속 (yaksok) with 예약 (yeyak). While both can be translated as 'appointment' or 'reservation' in certain contexts, their usage is strictly divided in Korean. 약속 is for commitments made with people—friends, colleagues, or family. 예약 is for services, facilities, or resources—hotels, restaurants, hospital slots, or flight tickets. If you say "식당 약속을 했어요," a Korean speaker will understand you mean you have a plan to meet someone at a restaurant, but if you mean you booked a table, you must say "식당 예약을 했어요."
Another mistake is using the wrong verb for 'breaking' a promise. Some learners try to use '깨다' (to break/smash) because it matches the English idiom 'to break a promise.' While '약속을 깨다' is occasionally used in very casual slang, the standard and more natural term is 약속을 어기다. Conversely, for 'keeping' a promise, learners might try to use '유지하다' (to maintain), but the correct term is 약속을 지키다. Using '지키다' conveys the cultural nuance of 'protecting' the trust that was established.
Lastly, learners often struggle with the nuance of 약속이 있다 versus 계획이 있다. While '계획' means 'plan' in the sense of a project or a schedule, '약속' is specifically for plans involving other people. If you are planning to study alone at home, you have a '계획' (plan), not a '약속' (appointment/promise). Saying "오늘 공부할 약속이 있어요" sounds like you made a formal promise to yourself or someone else to study, which is grammatically possible but socially awkward if you just mean you intend to study.
To truly master 약속, it's helpful to understand the words that surround it in the semantic field of 'commitment' and 'planning.' Each of these words has a specific nuance that distinguishes it from the general term 약속.
- 예약 (Yeyak)
- Reservation. Used for booking a room, a table, or a seat. It involves a transaction or a formal booking of a resource.
- 다짐 (Dajim)
- Resolve or determination. This is more of a 'promise to oneself' or a firm internal commitment. "새해 다짐" (New Year's resolution).
- 계약 (Gyeyak)
- Contract. This is the legal or formal version of a promise. It involves signed documents and legal obligations, usually in business or real estate.
- 맹세 (Maengse)
- Oath or vow. This is much more dramatic and solemn than 약속. It's used for religious vows, wedding oaths, or swearing loyalty.
While 약속 is the most common and versatile, choosing 선약 (seonyak) is a more sophisticated way to say 'previous engagement.' If someone asks you out and you are already busy, saying "선약이 있어요" sounds more polite and slightly more formal than just "약속이 있어요." Additionally, 언약 (eonyak) is a literary term for a verbal promise, often used in historical dramas or poetry to describe a deep, soul-binding commitment between lovers.
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
-(으)기로 하다
-을/를 위해(서)
-기 때문에
-(으)려고
-아/어 주다
Exemples par niveau
오늘 약속이 있어요.
I have plans/an appointment today.
Noun + 이/가 있다 (to have something).
친구와 약속을 해요.
I make a promise/appointment with a friend.
Noun + 을/를 하다 (to do/make).
약속이 없어요.
I don't have plans.
Noun + 이/가 없다 (to not have something).
내일 약속이 있습니까?
Do you have plans tomorrow?
Interrogative form of '있다'.
약속 시간은 3시예요.
The appointment time is 3 o'clock.
Noun + 은/는 + Time + 이에요/예요.
약속 장소가 어디예요?
Where is the meeting place?
Question word '어디' (where).
미안해요, 약속이 있어요.
Sorry, I have plans.
Common phrase for declining.
우리 약속해요.
Let's promise.
Exhortative form (let's).
6시에 만나기로 약속했어요.
I promised to meet at 6.
-기로 약속하다 (promised to do...).
약속을 지키세요.
Keep your promise.
Imperative form -세요.
약속을 어기지 마세요.
Don't break the promise.
-지 마세요 (don't do...).
약속 시간을 바꿀 수 있어요?
Can we change the appointment time?
-ㄹ/을 수 있다 (can do...).
중요한 약속이 생겼어요.
An important appointment came up.
생기다 (to arise/be created).
약속 장소에 도착했어요.
I arrived at the meeting place.
Past tense -았/었/였다.
비밀을 지키기로 약속해요.
Let's promise to keep the secret.
Noun + 을/를 지키다 (to keep/protect).
어제 친구와 약속이 있었어요.
I had plans with a friend yesterday.
Past tense of '있다'.
미안하지만 선약이 있어서 못 가요.
I'm sorry, but I can't go because I have a previous engagement.
선약 (previous appointment) + -아서/어서 (because).
그 사람은 약속을 잘 지키는 사람이에요.
That person is someone who keeps their promises well.
Noun-modifying form -는.
다음 주 월요일로 약속을 잡을까요?
Shall we set the appointment for next Monday?
약속을 잡다 (to set an appointment).
약속을 어기면 신뢰를 잃게 돼요.
If you break a promise, you end up losing trust.
-면 (if) + -게 되다 (to become/end up).
갑자기 약속이 취소되어서 시간이 남아요.
The appointment was suddenly canceled, so I have some free time.
Passive form 취소되다 (to be canceled).
우리 꼭 다시 만나기로 약속하자.
Let's promise to definitely meet again.
Adverb '꼭' (definitely) + -자 (casual let's).
약속 장소를 문자로 보내 주세요.
Please send the meeting place via text message.
-아/어 주세요 (please do for me).
부모님과 저녁을 먹기로 약속했어요.
I promised to have dinner with my parents.
Standard -기로 약속하다 pattern.
약속을 어기는 것은 자신과의 신뢰를 저버리는 일이다.
Breaking a promise is an act of betraying trust with oneself.
Gerund -는 것 + -이다 (is).
그들은 마치 약속이라도 한 듯이 동시에 일어났다.
They stood up at the same time as if they had made a promise.
-ㄴ 듯이 (as if).
업무상 중요한 약속이라 늦으면 안 됩니다.
It's an important business appointment, so you must not be late.
-면 안 되다 (must not).
그와는 이미 오래전에 약속된 사이였다.
He and I were already in a relationship/state that had been promised long ago.
Past passive participle 약속된.
약속한 대로 제시간에 도착해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Thank you for arriving on time as promised.
약속한 대로 (as promised).
정부는 국민과의 약속을 반드시 이행해야 한다.
The government must fulfill its promises to the people.
이행하다 (to fulfill/implement) + -해야 한다 (must).
바람을 맞히는 것은 상대방에 대한 예의가 아니다.
Standing someone up is not polite to the other person.
Idiom: 바람을 맞히다 (to stand someone up).
이번 약속은 꼭 지키겠다고 다짐했어요.
I resolved that I would definitely keep this promise.
-겠다고 다짐하다 (resolved to...).
사회적 약속은 공동체의 질서를 유지하는 근간이 된다.
Social contracts/promises are the foundation for maintaining community order.
Academic tone, '근간' (foundation).
그녀는 자신의 신념을 지키기 위해 고독한 약속을 이어갔다.
She continued her lonely promise to uphold her beliefs.
Literary usage of '약속'.
계약서에 명시된 약속 사항을 꼼꼼히 검토하십시오.
Please carefully review the promised items specified in the contract.
Formal/Legal register.
말 한마디에 천 냥 빚도 갚는다는 것은 약속의 무게를 말해준다.
The saying that a single word can repay a debt of a thousand nyang speaks to the weight of a promise.
Proverb integration.
우리는 서로의 미래를 축복하며 영원한 약속을 맺었다.
We made an eternal promise, blessing each other's future.
약속을 맺다 (to form/make a promise).
사전에 약속되지 않은 방문은 삼가 주시기 바랍니다.
Please refrain from visiting without a prior appointment.
Formal request -기 바랍니다.
그의 침묵은 일종의 암묵적인 약속과도 같았다.
His silence was like a kind of implicit promise.
암묵적 (implicit).
약속의 이행 여부가 이번 협상의 핵심 쟁점입니다.
Whether the promise is fulfilled is the key issue of this negotiation.
-여부 (whether or not).
인간의 언어는 기표와 기의 사이의 자의적 약속에 불과하다.
Human language is merely an arbitrary promise (convention) between the signifier and the signified.
Linguistic/Philosophical register.
역사적 약속의 파기는 종종 돌이킬 수 없는 비극을 초래하곤 한다.
The breaking of historical promises often leads to irreversible tragedies.
High-level historical analysis.
법치주의의 근간은 국가와 시민 사이의 성실한 약속 이행에 있다.
The foundation of the rule of law lies in the faithful fulfillment of promises between the state and its citizens.
Political science terminology.
그 시인은 자연과의 교감을 시적 약속으로 승화시켰다.
The poet sublimated his communion with nature into a poetic promise.
Literary criticism register.
미래 세대와의 약속을 저버리는 환경 파괴는 중단되어야 한다.
Environmental destruction, which betrays our promise to future generations, must stop.
Ethical/Environmental discourse.
그의 삶은 스스로에게 한 약속을 증명해 나가는 과정이었다.
His life was a process of proving the promises he made to himself.
Biographical/Narrative tone.
외교적 약속의 모호성은 때로 전략적 선택의 결과이기도 하다.
The ambiguity of diplomatic promises is sometimes the result of strategic choices.
International relations register.
진정한 약속이란 언어를 넘어선 존재론적 결단이다.
A true promise is an existential decision that transcends language.
Philosophical/Existentialist tone.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Structures de phrases
Comment l'utiliser
While 약속 is used, '미팅' (meeting) or '회합' (gathering) are also common.
약속 implies a commitment with someone else, whereas 계획 can be a solo plan.
- Using 약속 for hotel reservations.
- Saying '약속을 깨다' instead of '약속을 어기다' in formal speech.
- Confusing '계획' (personal plan) with '약속' (social commitment).
- Forgetting the honorifics when talking about a superior's appointment.
- Mispronouncing '약속' as '야속' (which means cold-hearted).
Astuces
Trust
In Korea, keeping a promise is the fastest way to build 'Uiri' (loyalty/trust).
Verb Pairing
Always pair 약속 with '지키다' for keeping and '어기다' for breaking.
Politeness
Use '선약이 있습니다' to decline invitations politely without giving too much detail.
Yeyak vs Yaksok
Remember: People = Yaksok, Places = Yeyak.
Sound
Yaksok sounds like 'Act-So'. You must 'act so' that you keep your word.
Plans
If someone asks '오늘 약속 있어?', they are likely asking if you want to hang out.
Particles
Don't forget the object marker: 약속을 해요.
Context
Listen for '시간' or '장소' right after '약속' to understand the logistics.
Timing
If you must break a 약속, do it as early as possible via a phone call.
Pinky Swear
Learn the full ritual: 약속, 복사, 사인, 복사 (Promise, Copy, Sign, Laminate).
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Yaksok sounds like 'Yak (medicine) + Soak'. Imagine soaking your medicine in a promise to get better.
Origine du mot
Sino-Korean
Contexte culturel
Pinky swears are very common in social bonding.
Using '선약' (previous engagement) is the most polite way to say no.
Arriving 5 minutes early is the modern standard.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"오늘 저녁에 약속 있어요?"
"우리 언제 약속 잡을까요?"
"약속 장소는 어디가 좋아요?"
"주말에 보통 약속이 많아요?"
"약속을 잘 지키는 편이에요?"
Sujets d'écriture
오늘 친구와 어떤 약속을 했어요?
약속을 어겨서 미안했던 적이 있나요?
자신에게 한 가장 중요한 약속은 무엇인가요?
한국 친구와 약속을 잡는다면 어디에서 만나고 싶어요?
약속을 지키는 것이 왜 중요할까요?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsActually, for doctors or dentists, '예약' (reservation) is more common because you are booking a professional service slot. However, '진료 약속' is occasionally used.
It is neutral. It can be used in very casual talk with friends and in formal business settings.
약속 is a general promise or appointment. 맹세 is a solemn vow or oath, often used in religious or dramatic contexts.
You can say '약속 시간에 늦어서 죄송합니다'.
Yes, '데이트 약속' is common, but usually just '약속' is enough to imply you are meeting someone.
It means 'previous appointment'. It's a polite way to say you're already busy.
Yes, it's the standard verb. You can also use '약속을 맺다' for forming a promise.
They link pinky fingers and say '약속!'.
Yes, in academic contexts like linguistics, it can mean a social convention or agreement.
It's a 'public promise', usually used for political campaign pledges.
Teste-toi 180 questions
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Perfect score!
Summary
약속 is the essential Korean word for any interpersonal commitment. Whether you are scheduling a casual coffee date or making a lifelong vow, this word covers the spectrum of human reliability. Remember to distinguish it from '예약' (reservations) to sound like a natural speaker.
- 약속 means both 'appointment' and 'promise' in Korean.
- Use it for plans with people, but use '예약' for services like restaurants.
- Common verbs include 약속을 하다 (make), 지키다 (keep), and 어기다 (break).
- It is a core concept in Korean social etiquette and building trust.
Trust
In Korea, keeping a promise is the fastest way to build 'Uiri' (loyalty/trust).
Verb Pairing
Always pair 약속 with '지키다' for keeping and '어기다' for breaking.
Politeness
Use '선약이 있습니다' to decline invitations politely without giving too much detail.
Yeyak vs Yaksok
Remember: People = Yaksok, Places = Yeyak.
Exemple
친구와 저녁 약속이 있어요.
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팔월
A1Août; le huitième mois de l'année. 'En août, il fait très chaud en Corée.' (팔월에 한국은 매우 덥습니다.)
나쁘게
A2D'une manière mauvaise ou insatisfaisante.
가방
A1Bag
은행
A1Bank