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A2 noun #7,000 よく出る 9分で読める

약혼

上位7,000

練習する例文メモとヒント 약혼 30秒で

解説 약혼 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that '약혼' (yakhon) means 'engagement.' It is a noun. You can think of it as the step before '결혼' (marriage). You might hear it in simple sentences like '약혼했어요' (I got engaged). At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex Hanja or the legal meanings. Just remember it as the Korean word for becoming a fiancé or fiancée. You can use it with '해요' to say '약혼해요' (I get engaged). It is a useful word if you are watching Korean dramas because characters often talk about their '약혼자' (fiancé). Just remember: Dating -> 약혼 -> 결혼.

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At the A2 level, you should be able to use '약혼' in basic sentences and understand its common associations. You should learn the verb form '약혼하다' and how to use it with the particle '와/과' to say who you are engaged to (e.g., '민수와 약혼했어요'). You should also recognize common related nouns like '약혼반지' (engagement ring) and '약혼식' (engagement ceremony). At this level, you are expected to understand that '약혼' is a more formal commitment than just 'dating' (연애). You might use it to describe your relationship status to others in a standard polite way (아요/어요/습니다).

At the B1 level, you can start discussing the nuances of '약혼'. You should understand the difference between '청혼' (the proposal) and '약혼' (the engagement). You can describe the process of getting engaged in Korea, perhaps mentioning the '상견례' (meeting of families). You should be comfortable using the word in different tenses and with various connectors, such as '약혼한 후에' (after getting engaged) or '약혼했지만' (although we are engaged). You should also be aware of the term '약혼자' and how it is used to introduce a partner in more formal social settings. Your vocabulary should expand to include '파혼' (breaking an engagement) as a related but opposite concept.

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At the B2 level, you should be able to understand '약혼' in more complex contexts, such as news reports, literature, or legal discussions. You should be aware of the social expectations surrounding an engagement in Korea, including the historical significance of the '약혼식'. You can use the word to discuss social trends, such as why fewer young Koreans are having formal engagement ceremonies. You should also be able to handle more advanced grammar patterns like '약혼한 셈이다' (it's as if we are engaged) or '약혼하기로 되어 있다' (it is arranged that we get engaged). You can explain the subtle difference between '약혼' and '예비 부부' and when to use each based on the desired level of intimacy and formality.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of '약혼' including its Hanja roots (約婚) and its implications in various registers. You can discuss the legal aspects of a breach of engagement (파혼으로 인한 손해배상) and the sociological shifts from 'arranged engagements' (정략 약혼) to 'romantic engagements'. you can appreciate the use of the word in classical Korean literature or period films, where '약혼' might carry a much heavier, life-altering weight than in modern casual usage. You should be able to use the word fluently in debates about marriage culture and recognize idiomatic or metaphorical uses in high-level texts.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '약혼'. You can nuance your speech by choosing between '약혼', '정혼', '결혼 약속', and '가약' (a poetic promise of marriage) depending on the context. You can analyze the etymological connections of the character '婚' in other words like '혼인' or '미혼' and how they relate to the concept of '약혼'. You can navigate complex social situations where the status of an engagement might be ambiguous, using the word with absolute precision. You are also capable of understanding and using the word in legal, academic, or highly formal diplomatic contexts where marriage and family alliances are discussed.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

약혼 30秒で

약혼 means 'engagement,' the formal promise to marry.
It is a Hanja-based word: 約 (Promise) + 婚 (Marriage).
Commonly used as '약혼하다' (to get engaged) or '약혼자' (fiancé).
It sits between 'dating' (연애) and 'marriage' (결혼) in the relationship timeline.

The Korean word 약혼 (yakhon) is a noun that translates directly to 'engagement' in English. Etymologically, it is derived from two Hanja characters: 約 (약) meaning 'promise' or 'agreement' and 婚 (혼) meaning 'marriage.' Therefore, the literal sense of the word is 'a promise to marry.' In the context of Korean society, 약혼 represents a formal interim period between being a dating couple and becoming a married couple. While the concept of dating (연애) is casual and the state of marriage (결혼) is a legally binding union, 약혼 serves as the public and social declaration of intent to enter that union.

Social Significance: In Korea, engagement is often seen as a family-to-family agreement rather than just an individual choice. While modern trends are shifting toward Western-style romantic proposals (청혼), the term 약혼 still carries a weight of formality that often involves the families of both parties.

Historically, an engagement was a very formal affair involving a ceremony called 약혼식. In contemporary Korea, many couples skip the formal engagement ceremony and instead focus on the 상견례 (sang-gyeon-rye), which is the formal meeting of both families. Once the families have met and agreed upon the marriage, the couple is effectively considered 'engaged,' even if they don't use the specific word '약혼' every day. However, when speaking formally or referring to the legal/social status, 약혼 is the precise term used.

그들은 2년 동안의 연애 끝에 드디어 약혼을 했습니다. (After two years of dating, they finally got engaged.)

You will encounter this word frequently in Korean dramas (K-dramas), news reports about celebrities, and formal social gatherings. In a K-drama, a 'contract engagement' (계약 약혼) is a common trope where two characters pretend to be engaged for financial or social gain. In real life, mentioning your 약혼자 (fiancé/fiancée) signals a high level of commitment. It is also important to note that Korea has specific legal concepts regarding the 'breach of engagement' (파혼), which can sometimes involve legal disputes over wedding gifts or preparation costs, highlighting how seriously this 'promise' is taken in the culture.

Verb Usage: To say 'to get engaged,' you add the verb '하다' to get 약혼하다. If you want to say 'is engaged' (the state), you use 약혼한 상태이다.

우리는 지난달에 약혼한 사이입니다. (We are an engaged couple as of last month.)

Using 약혼 correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its transformation into a verb. As a noun, it often takes the object marker 을/를 when paired with verbs like '발표하다' (to announce) or '취소하다' (to cancel). When describing the act of two people entering an engagement, the particle ~와/과 (with) is used to indicate the partner.

With Particles: 1. [Person]와/과 약혼하다: To get engaged to [Person].
2. 약혼을 축하하다: To congratulate an engagement.
3. 약혼반지를 끼다: To wear an engagement ring.

In formal writing, such as invitations or news articles, 약혼 is used to define the status of individuals. For example, '약혼남' (engaged man) or '약혼녀' (engaged woman) are terms used to refer to the parties involved. In daily conversation, however, people are more likely to say '제 약혼자예요' (This is my fiancé/fiancée). Note that the word 'fiancé' doesn't have a gender distinction in Korean unless you specifically add '남' or '녀', but '약혼자' is the standard gender-neutral term.

그녀는 약혼 선물로 시계를 받았습니다. (She received a watch as an engagement gift.)

When discussing the duration of an engagement, you would use the structure '약혼한 지 [Time] 되다'. For example, '약혼한 지 6개월 됐어요' means 'It has been 6 months since we got engaged.' This reflects the transition from a point-in-time action (약혼하다) to a continuing state. If the engagement is broken, the specific verb used is 파혼하다 (to break off an engagement), which combines '파' (break) and '혼' (marriage). This is a very strong word and usually implies a significant emotional or social event.

Sentence Patterns: '우리는 곧 약혼할 거예요.' (We are going to get engaged soon.)
'약혼식에 누구를 초대할까요?' (Who shall we invite to the engagement ceremony?)

그의 약혼 소식은 모두를 놀라게 했습니다. (The news of his engagement surprised everyone.)

In South Korea, you will hear 약혼 in various contexts, ranging from legal proceedings to romantic entertainment. One of the most common places is in the world of Entertainment News. When a famous celebrity couple decides to marry, the headlines will often read '[Celebrity Name]와 [Celebrity Name], 전격 약혼' (Sudden engagement between X and Y). This signals to the public that the relationship is serious and moving toward a wedding.

In K-Dramas: The 'Engagement Party' (약혼식) is a staple scene in dramas involving wealthy families (chaebols). These scenes are used to showcase the social status of the families and often serve as a backdrop for dramatic conflict, such as an uninvited guest appearing or a secret being revealed.

Another place you'll hear this word is in Jewelry Stores. When shopping for rings in districts like Jongno or Cheongdam-dong, clerks will differentiate between a 'propose ring' (프로포즈 반지) and an 'engagement ring' (약혼반지). While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, the '약혼반지' is often seen as a more formal piece of jewelry, sometimes even a set that matches the wedding bands.

드라마에서 두 주인공은 정략 약혼을 했습니다. (In the drama, the two protagonists entered an arranged engagement.)

You might also hear it in legal or administrative contexts. For instance, when applying for certain visas (like a fiancé visa for the US or other countries), the Korean translation will explicitly use '약혼자 비자'. In these cases, the word carries strict legal definitions regarding the intent to marry within a specific timeframe. Furthermore, in literature, '약혼' is used to describe the tragic or romantic promises made between lovers during historical periods, such as the Japanese occupation or the Korean War, where an engagement was a sacred promise of return.

Common Contexts: - Family introductions (상견례)
- Celebrity gossip news
- Legal documents for marriage immigration
- Classic literature and period dramas

부모님의 반대로 약혼이 취소되었습니다. (The engagement was canceled due to parental opposition.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 약혼 (engagement) with 결혼 (marriage). While they are related, they represent different stages. You cannot say '약혼했어요' if you are already married. Conversely, using '결혼했어요' when you are only engaged is factually incorrect in a culture that distinguishes these milestones clearly.

Mistake 1: Confusing Proposal and Engagement: Many students say '약혼을 했어요' to mean 'He proposed to me.' While the proposal leads to the engagement, the act of proposing is 청혼 (cheong-hon) or the Konglish 프로포즈 (propose). '약혼' is the resulting status.

Another error involves the use of particles. Because engagement involves two people, learners often forget to use the reciprocal particles 와/과 or 하고. Saying '나는 그를 약혼했다' is grammatically awkward; the correct form is '나는 그와 약혼했다' (I got engaged with him).

Incorrect: 우리는 약혼을 결혼했어요.
Correct: 우리는 약혼 후에 결혼할 거예요. (We will marry after the engagement.)

There is also a nuance mistake regarding the word 약혼자. In English, we often use 'fiancé' or 'fiancée' comfortably in casual settings. In Korea, referring to your partner as '약혼자' in a very casual setting among close friends might feel slightly stiff or overly formal. Young people often just use '남자친구' (boyfriend) or '여자친구' (girlfriend) until the actual wedding, or they might use the term '예비 신랑' (groom-to-be) or '예비 신부' (bride-to-be) once the wedding date is set.

Register Errors: Using '약혼' in a slangy context doesn't quite work. It is a formal Hanja-based word. If you want to sound more natural in a casual setting, you might say '우리 결혼하기로 했어' (We decided to get married) instead of '우리는 약혼했어'.

그는 약혼녀를 친구들에게 소개했습니다. (He introduced his fiancée to his friends - *Formal/Standard*)

To truly master 약혼, you must understand the words that surround it in the semantic field of romance and commitment. The most closely related words are 청혼, 결혼, and 상견례. Each represents a different milestone in the journey toward marriage.

약혼 vs. 청혼: 약혼 (Engagement): The state of being promised. It is the agreement itself.
청혼 (Proposal): The act of asking for marriage. '청' means to request. You '청혼' to start an '약혼'.
약혼 vs. 결혼: 약혼 (Engagement): A promise to marry in the future. Not legally binding in the same way as marriage.
결혼 (Marriage): The legal and social union of two people. The final destination of the engagement.
약혼 vs. 상견례: 상견례: A formal meeting between the two families. In Korea, this often serves as the 'official' start of the engagement period for the families, even if a romantic proposal happened earlier.

In modern Korean, you might also hear the term 예비 부부 (pre-couple/couple-to-be). This is a very popular way to refer to an engaged couple. For example, '우리는 예비 부부예요' sounds very warm and suggests that they are already in the process of planning their wedding. Another alternative, especially in the context of dating shows or casual talk, is 결혼 약속 (marriage promise). This is the pure Korean (Native Korean + Hanja) way of saying they have promised to marry without using the formal term '약혼'.

우리는 약혼이라는 말 대신 '결혼 약속'이라는 표현을 더 자주 써요. (We use the expression 'marriage promise' more often than the word 'engagement'.)

Finally, consider the opposite of 약혼, which is 파혼 (broken engagement). While '이혼' (divorce) is common knowledge, '파혼' is the specific term for stopping the marriage process before it actually happens. Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate the complex social landscape of Korean relationships and ensures you use the right level of formality and accuracy in your speech.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The character 婚 (hon) contains the radical for 'woman' (女) and 'dusk' (昏), because in ancient times, weddings were traditionally held in the evening.

発音ガイド

UK /jɐkʰon/

US /jɑːk.hoʊn/

The stress is balanced, but slightly more emphasis is placed on the first syllable '약'.

韻が合う語

결혼 (Gyeol-hon) 이혼 (I-hon) 파혼 (Pa-hon) 재혼 (Jae-hon) 미혼 (Mi-hon) 황혼 (Hwang-hon) 영혼 (Yeong-hon) 교혼 (Gyo-hon)

よくある間違い

Pronouncing '약' as 'yag' (it should be a sharp 'k' sound).
Making the 'h' in 'hon' silent.
Stretching the 'o' too long like 'hoooooon'.
Confusing it with '약한' (weak).
Failing to aspirate the 'h' correctly.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to frequent use in media.

ライティング 3/5

Requires correct use of particles like 와/과.

スピーキング 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward.

リスニング 2/5

Commonly heard in dramas and news.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

결혼 약속 사랑 남자친구 여자친구

次に学ぶ

청혼 상견례 파혼 신혼여행 축의금

上級

혼인신고 가사도우미 부양가족 위자료 법률혼

知っておくべき文法

Noun + 와/과 (Reciprocal)

민수와 약혼했다.

Noun + 한 지 [Time] 되다

약혼한 지 3개월 됐다.

Noun + 하기로 하다 (Decision)

내년에 약혼하기로 했다.

Noun + 을/를 위해 (For the sake of)

약혼녀를 위해 반지를 샀다.

Noun + 인 상태 (State of being)

현재 약혼인 상태입니다.

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レベル別の例文

저는 어제 약혼했어요.

I got engaged yesterday.

Past tense of 약혼하다.

약혼 축하해요!

Congratulations on your engagement!

Noun + 축하해요.

이것은 약혼반지예요.

This is an engagement ring.

Compound noun: 약혼 + 반지.

제 약혼자입니다.

This is my fiancé.

약혼자 means fiancé/fiancée.

우리는 약혼해요.

We are getting engaged.

Present tense.

약혼식은 언제예요?

When is the engagement ceremony?

약혼식 means engagement ceremony.

그녀는 약혼녀예요.

She is the fiancée.

약혼녀 specifically refers to a female fiancé.

약혼 선물이 뭐예요?

What is the engagement gift?

Noun + Noun structure.

민수 씨와 약혼하고 싶어요.

I want to get engaged to Minsu.

Particle '와' used for 'with'.

약혼한 지 일 년 됐어요.

It has been one year since we got engaged.

Noun + 한 지 [Time] 되다 pattern.

우리는 내년에 약혼할 거예요.

We are going to get engaged next year.

Future tense -(으)ㄹ 거예요.

약혼식에 친구들을 초대했어요.

I invited friends to the engagement ceremony.

Particle '에' for location/event.

그들은 비밀리에 약혼했습니다.

They got engaged in secret.

Adverb '비밀리에' (secretly).

약혼반지가 아주 예쁘네요.

The engagement ring is very pretty.

Exclamatory ending -네요.

약혼 후에 바로 결혼해요?

Do you marry right after the engagement?

Noun + 후에 (after).

제 약혼자는 의사예요.

My fiancé is a doctor.

Standard sentence structure.

부모님께 약혼 소식을 전했어요.

I told my parents the news of my engagement.

Dative particle -께 (honorific).

약혼 기간 동안 서로를 더 잘 알게 됐어요.

During the engagement period, we got to know each other better.

동안 (during) + 게 되다 (to become).

약혼을 취소하는 것은 쉬운 결정이 아니에요.

Canceling an engagement is not an easy decision.

Gerund form -는 것.

그는 무릎을 꿇고 그녀에게 약혼을 신청했습니다.

He knelt down and asked her to get engaged (proposed).

Sequential action -고.

약혼식 대신에 가족 식사를 하기로 했어요.

We decided to have a family meal instead of an engagement ceremony.

대신에 (instead of) + -기로 하다 (decide to).

약혼한 사이라면 서로 신뢰해야 합니다.

If you are an engaged couple, you must trust each other.

Conditional -(으)라면.

그녀는 약혼반지를 잃어버려서 속상해해요.

She is upset because she lost her engagement ring.

Causal -아서/어서 + descriptive verb.

약혼 발표는 소셜 미디어에 할 거예요.

We will make the engagement announcement on social media.

Noun + 발표 (announcement).

두 사람은 집안의 반대를 무릅쓰고 약혼을 강행했습니다.

The two pushed through with their engagement despite their families' opposition.

무릅쓰고 (despite/braving) + 강행하다 (to force through).

약혼은 단순한 약속 이상의 사회적 의미를 가집니다.

Engagement holds a social meaning beyond a simple promise.

이상의 (more than) + 의미를 가지다 (to have meaning).

그들은 약혼한 상태에서 파혼을 선언했습니다.

They announced their breakup while they were engaged.

상태에서 (in a state of) + 선언하다 (to declare).

약혼식 비용을 절약해서 신혼여행에 더 쓰기로 했어요.

We decided to save on engagement ceremony costs and spend more on the honeymoon.

절약해서 (saving and thus) + -기로 하다.

그의 약혼녀는 유명한 피아니스트라고 합니다.

They say his fiancée is a famous pianist.

Indirect quotation -라고 하다.

전통적인 약혼식은 현대 사회에서 점차 사라지고 있습니다.

Traditional engagement ceremonies are gradually disappearing in modern society.

점차 (gradually) + -어 가다 (progressive change).

약혼을 통해 두 가족은 공식적으로 인연을 맺게 됩니다.

Through engagement, two families officially form a bond.

통해 (through) + 인연을 맺다 (form a bond).

약혼 기간이 너무 길어지면 갈등이 생길 수도 있어요.

If the engagement period gets too long, conflicts might arise.

-(으)면 (if) + -ㄹ 수도 있다 (might).

약혼의 법적 효력에 대해 논쟁이 벌어졌다.

A debate broke out regarding the legal effectiveness of an engagement.

에 대해 (about) + 논쟁이 벌어지다 (debate breaks out).

그는 정략 약혼의 희생양이 되어 사랑하지 않는 사람과 살아야 했다.

He became a victim of an arranged engagement and had to live with someone he didn't love.

정략 약혼 (strategic/arranged engagement) + 희생양 (scapegoat/victim).

약혼반지는 영원한 사랑을 맹세하는 증표로 여겨진다.

An engagement ring is considered a token of swearing eternal love.

맹세하는 (swearing) + 증표 (token/sign).

파혼은 당사자뿐만 아니라 양가 가족에게도 큰 상처를 남긴다.

A broken engagement leaves a deep wound not only for the parties involved but also for both families.

뿐만 아니라 (not only but also).

과거에는 약혼이 성립되면 혼인과 다름없는 구속력을 가졌다.

In the past, once an engagement was established, it had a binding force no different from marriage.

성립되면 (once established) + 다름없는 (no different from).

그녀는 약혼자와의 사별 후 평생 홀로 살았다.

She lived alone for the rest of her life after the death of her fiancé.

사별 (parting by death) + 홀로 (alone).

현대인들에게 약혼은 결혼을 위한 통과의례 중 하나일 뿐이다.

For modern people, engagement is merely one of the rites of passage for marriage.

통과의례 (rite of passage) + -일 뿐이다 (merely).

약혼 사실을 공표함으로써 두 사람의 관계는 공인되었다.

By announcing the fact of the engagement, the relationship of the two was officially recognized.

-(으)로써 (by means of) + 공인되다 (be officially recognized).

약혼의 파기로 인한 정신적 위자료 청구 소송이 제기되었다.

A lawsuit for mental alimony (damages) due to the breach of engagement was filed.

파기 (nullification) + 위자료 (alimony/damages) + 제기되다 (be filed).

그들의 약혼은 양국 간의 우호 관계를 증진시키기 위한 외교적 수단이었다.

Their engagement was a diplomatic means to promote friendly relations between the two countries.

증진시키기 위한 (for the purpose of promoting).

약혼이라는 관습이 지닌 가부장적 요소에 대한 비판적 시각이 존재한다.

There exists a critical perspective on the patriarchal elements inherent in the custom of engagement.

지닌 (possessing/inherent) + 가부장적 (patriarchal).

그는 약혼녀에 대한 신의를 지키기 위해 끝까지 침묵을 지켰다.

He remained silent until the end to keep his faith to his fiancée.

신릐 (faith/fidelity) + 침묵을 지키다 (to keep silence).

약혼식의 화려함 이면에 숨겨진 두 사람의 고뇌는 아무도 몰랐다.

No one knew the anguish of the two hidden behind the splendor of the engagement ceremony.

이면에 (on the flip side/behind) + 고뇌 (anguish).

전통 혼례에서 약혼은 '의혼'이라는 절차를 통해 이루어졌다.

In traditional weddings, engagement was carried out through a procedure called 'ui-hon'.

절차 (procedure) + 이루어지다 (be accomplished).

약혼이 지니는 상징성은 시대의 변천에 따라 끊임없이 재해석되어 왔다.

The symbolism of engagement has been constantly reinterpreted according to the transition of times.

변천 (transition/change) + 재해석되어 오다 (has been reinterpreted).

그녀의 문학 작품 속에서 약혼은 종종 비극적 결말을 암시하는 복선으로 쓰인다.

In her literary works, engagement is often used as a foreshadowing that hints at a tragic ending.

암시하는 (hinting) + 복선 (foreshadowing).

よく使う組み合わせ

약혼을 하다

약혼을 발표하다

약혼을 취소하다

약혼반지를 끼다

약혼식을 올리다

정략 약혼

비밀 약혼

약혼 기간

약혼 기념일

약혼 선물

よく使うフレーズ

약혼한 사이

— A couple who is engaged.

우리는 이미 약혼한 사이입니다.

약혼자 비자

— A fiancé visa (K-1 visa in the US).

미국 약혼자 비자를 신청하려고 해요.

약혼식 초대장

— An invitation to an engagement party.

약혼식 초대장을 디자인하고 있어요.

약혼을 깨다

— To break off an engagement (idiomatic).

사소한 오해 때문에 약혼을 깨고 말았다.

약혼 예물

— Engagement gifts/ceremonial items.

약혼 예물로 시계를 준비했습니다.

약혼녀의 친구

— Friend of the fiancée.

약혼녀의 친구들과 저녁을 먹었어요.

약혼 소식

— News of an engagement.

그의 약혼 소식은 큰 화제가 되었다.

약혼을 맺다

— To enter into an engagement (formal).

두 사람은 영원한 사랑의 약혼을 맺었다.

약혼 증서

— Engagement certificate (rare/historical).

박물관에서 옛날 약혼 증서를 보았다.

약혼 여행

— An engagement trip/pre-honeymoon.

우리는 약혼 여행으로 제주도에 갔다.

よく混同される語

약혼 vs 결혼

Marriage is the final union; engagement is the promise.

약혼 vs 청혼

The proposal is the action; engagement is the result.

약혼 vs 연애

Dating is casual; engagement is a formal commitment.

慣用句と表現

"백년가약을 맺다"

— To make a vow of a hundred years (to marry).

두 사람은 드디어 백년가약을 맺었다.

Literary

"도장을 찍다"

— To seal the deal (often used for marriage/engagement).

부모님 허락도 받았으니 이제 약혼에 도장을 찍는 일만 남았다.

Colloquial

"국수를 먹다"

— To eat noodles (idiom for attending a wedding/engagement feast).

언제쯤 우리에게 국수를 먹여 줄 거니?

Colloquial

"검은 머리 파뿌리 되도록"

— Until black hair turns into white roots (lifelong commitment).

약혼식에서 두 사람은 검은 머리 파뿌리 되도록 사랑하겠다고 맹세했다.

Traditional

"식장 들어가기 전까지는 모른다"

— You don't know until you enter the wedding hall (engagements can break).

약혼했다고 안심하지 마. 식장 들어가기 전까지는 모르는 거야.

Colloquial

"눈에 콩깍지가 씌다"

— To have bean pods over one's eyes (to be blinded by love).

약혼한 걸 보니 눈에 콩깍지가 제대로 씌었나 봐.

Slang/Common

"짚신도 짝이 있다"

— Even a straw shoe has a pair (everyone has a match).

그가 약혼한 걸 보니 정말 짚신도 짝이 있나 봐요.

Proverb

"천생연분"

— A match made in heaven.

약혼한 두 사람을 보니 정말 천생연분이네요.

Neutral

"금상첨화"

— Adding flowers to silk (making a good thing even better).

약혼 소식에 승진까지 했으니 금상첨화다.

Idiomatic

"연을 맺다"

— To form a connection/bond (often used for engagement).

그들은 약혼을 통해 깊은 연을 맺었다.

Formal

間違えやすい

약혼 vs 약속

Both mean promise.

약속 is a general promise; 약혼 is specifically for marriage.

친구와 약속이 있어요 (I have a promise/appointment with a friend).

약혼 vs 혼인

Both relate to marriage.

혼인 is a very formal/legal term for marriage itself.

혼인 신고를 했어요 (I filed the marriage report).

약혼 vs 파혼

Sounds similar.

파혼 is the cancellation of the engagement.

그들은 결국 파혼했다.

약혼 vs 재혼

Contains 'hon'.

재혼 is remarrying after a divorce or death.

그는 작년에 재혼했다.

약혼 vs 미혼

Contains 'hon'.

미혼 means never married.

저는 아직 미혼입니다.

文型パターン

N + 약혼해요

우리 약혼해요.

N + 와/과 약혼하다

그는 지수와 약혼했다.

N + 한 지 [Time] 되다

약혼한 지 1년 됐다.

N + 하기로 했다

우리는 약혼하기로 했다.

N + 덕분에 약혼하다

친구 덕분에 약혼하게 됐다.

N + 할 계획이다

여름에 약혼할 계획이다.

N + 을/를 계기로 약혼하다

여행을 계기로 약혼하게 되었다.

N + 함으로써 약혼이 성립되다

반지를 교환함으로써 약혼이 성립되었다.

語族

名詞

약혼자 (fiancé)

약혼녀 (fiancée)

약혼식 (engagement ceremony)

약혼반지 (engagement ring)

약혼물 (engagement gift)

動詞

약혼하다 (to get engaged)

약혼시키다 (to make someone get engaged)

形容詞

약혼한 (engaged - attributive)

使い方

frequency

High in media and formal life events.

よくある間違い

Using '약혼를 했어요' instead of '약혼을 했어요'. → 약혼을 했어요.
약혼 ends in a consonant (ㄴ), so the object marker should be '을', not '를'.
Saying '나는 그를 약혼했다'. → 나는 그와 약혼했다.
Engagement is a reciprocal action. You get engaged *with* someone, so use '와/과'.
Confusing '파혼' with '이혼'. → 약혼을 깼을 때는 '파혼'이라고 합니다.
Use '파혼' for breaking an engagement and '이혼' for a divorce after marriage.
Using '약혼' for a casual dating proposal. → 사귀자고 하는 것은 '고백'입니다.
Asking someone to be your boyfriend/girlfriend is '고백' (confession), not '약혼'.
Thinking '약혼자' is only for men. → 약혼자는 남녀 모두에게 쓸 수 있습니다.
While 'fiancé' and 'fiancée' are gendered in French/English, '약혼자' is neutral.

ヒント

Family Approval

In Korea, an engagement is often not 'official' until the parents have met at a '상견례'. Even if you have a ring, the social term '약혼' carries the weight of family acceptance.

Hanja Roots

Remembering 約 (Promise) and 婚 (Marriage) helps you connect this word to other words like '약속' (promise) and '결혼' (marriage).

The Ring finger

Like in the West, the engagement ring is typically worn on the fourth finger of the left hand in Korea.

Drama Tropes

When you hear '약혼' in a drama, look out for the '약혼식' scenes—they are usually high-tension moments involving family secrets.

Particle Precision

Always use '와/과' when saying you got engaged 'to' someone. Using '를' (object marker) is a common beginner mistake.

Related Terms

Learn '예비 부부' (couple-to-be). It's a very common and friendly way to refer to an engaged couple in modern Korea.

Breach of Promise

Be aware that '파혼' (breaking engagement) can have legal consequences in Korea if wedding preparations were already underway.

Aspiration

The 'h' in 'hon' should be clearly aspirated. Don't let it blend too much with the 'k' sound from 'yak'.

Compound Nouns

You can create many words by adding '약혼' to other nouns, like '약혼 선물' (gift) or '약혼 여행' (trip).

Introductions

When introducing your fiancé to elders, using the term '약혼자' shows that the relationship is serious and respectful.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Yak' as a promise you 'Yak' (talk) about, and 'Hon' as the 'Honey' you are going to marry.

視覚的連想

Imagine a 'Yak' (the animal) wearing a 'Hon'ey-colored engagement ring.

Word Web

약혼반지 약혼식 약혼자 결혼 청혼 파혼 사랑 약속

チャレンジ

Try to use '약혼' in three different sentences: one about a ring, one about a party, and one about a drama.

語源

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja). The word consists of 約 (yak) and 婚 (hon).

元の意味：約 means 'to promise' or 'to restrict,' and 婚 means 'marriage.' Together they mean 'the promise of marriage.'

Sino-Korean (Chinese character origin).

文化的な背景

Be careful when asking if someone is '약혼' status; in Korea, some might find it too personal or formal if they just consider themselves 'dating seriously'.

In the West, engagement is often a private romantic moment followed by an announcement. In Korea, the 'public' and 'family' aspect is often more central to the definition of '약혼'.

The K-Drama 'Business Proposal' features fake engagements. The classic 'The Story of Chunhyang' involves a secret engagement. Celebrity 'Dispatch' news often breaks engagement stories.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Social Gatherings

약혼 축하해요
약혼반지 보여주세요
약혼식은 어디서 해요?
약혼자가 누구예요?

K-Dramas

우리 약혼해요
정략 약혼입니다
약혼을 취소할게요
이건 약혼 선물이에요

Legal/Administrative

약혼자 비자 서류
약혼 파기 소송
약혼의 법적 효력
약혼 증명

Jewelry Shop

약혼반지 추천해 주세요
다이아몬드 약혼반지
약혼반지 사이즈
세트로 맞추고 싶어요

Family Meeting

오늘 상견례하고 약혼 날짜 잡았어요
부모님께 약혼 허락 받았어요
약혼식은 생략하기로 했어요
가족끼리 약혼 파티를 해요

会話のきっかけ

"약혼 소식 들었어요? 정말 축하해요!"

"혹시 약혼반지는 어디서 맞추셨어요?"

"약혼식은 크게 하실 건가요, 아니면 작게 하실 건가요?"

"약혼한 지 얼마나 되셨어요?"

"약혼자와는 어떻게 처음 만나게 되셨나요?"

日記のテーマ

만약 당신이 약혼을 한다면, 어떤 장소에서 약혼식을 하고 싶나요?

한국의 약혼 문화와 당신 나라의 약혼 문화는 어떻게 다른가요?

약혼 기간 동안 가장 중요하게 생각하는 것은 무엇인가요?

드라마에서 본 가장 기억에 남는 약혼 장면은 무엇인가요?

약혼반지의 의미는 당신에게 무엇인가요?

よくある質問

10 問

청혼 (cheong-hon) is the act of proposing (asking 'Will you marry me?'). 약혼 (yakhon) is the resulting state of being engaged. You '청혼' to someone, and if they say yes, you are in an '약혼' status.

In the past, it was very common. However, nowadays, most couples skip the formal 약혼식 and instead have a formal family meeting called '상견례'. If they want a ceremony, they usually just have a small party or focus on the wedding itself.

Yes, '약혼자' (yakhon-ja) is gender-neutral and can be used for both a fiancé and a fiancée. If you want to specify, you can use '약혼남' (male) or '약혼녀' (female).

파혼 (pa-hon) is the specific word for breaking off an engagement. It is used when a couple decides not to go through with the marriage after they have already announced their engagement.

You can say '약혼했어요' (I got engaged) or '약혼한 상태예요' (I am in an engaged state). In casual conversation, people often say '결혼하기로 했어요' (We decided to get married).

Yes, '약혼반지' is the correct term. However, many people also use the Konglish term '프로포즈 반지' (propose ring) for the ring given during the proposal.

Yes, while not as binding as marriage, a formal engagement is recognized in Korean civil law. If one party breaks it without a valid reason, the other party may sue for damages (위자료) or the return of engagement gifts.

If you are just dating seriously but haven't talked to your families or set a timeline, '약혼' might sound too heavy. Use it once there is a clear agreement to marry.

It means an 'arranged engagement' or 'strategic engagement,' usually done for family business or political reasons, common in historical contexts or K-dramas.

You can say '약혼을 진심으로 축하드려요!' (I sincerely congratulate you on your engagement!)

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