約束を破る
yakusoku o yaburu
break a promise
Literally: 約束 (promise) + を (object marker) + 破る (to tear/break)
In 15 Seconds
- Means failing to keep a promise or word.
- Uses the verb 'to tear' for a strong image.
- Common in both casual and professional settings.
Meaning
This phrase is used when someone fails to keep their word or doesn't do what they promised to do. It's like tearing up a verbal contract you made with someone else.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a friend who cancelled plans
また約束を破ったね。もう信じられないよ！
You broke your promise again. I can't believe you!
A parent talking to a child
約束を破るのは良くないことだよ。
Breaking promises is not a good thing to do.
In a business meeting regarding a contract
彼らが約束を破った場合、契約は終了します。
If they break the promise, the contract will be terminated.
Cultural Background
Japanese culture places immense value on reliability and 'giri' (social obligation). Breaking a promise is often seen as a direct hit to one's reputation. The traditional 'pinky swear' culture is very strong in Japan, emphasizing that a promise is a binding contract.
The Opposite Phrase
To say you 'kept' a promise, just swap 'yaburu' with 'mamoru' (守る). It's the most common pair in Japanese.
Don't over-use it
Calling someone a 'promise breaker' is a serious accusation in Japan. Use it sparingly for minor lateness to avoid sounding overly aggressive.
In 15 Seconds
- Means failing to keep a promise or word.
- Uses the verb 'to tear' for a strong image.
- Common in both casual and professional settings.
What It Means
約束を破る is the standard way to say someone broke a promise. The verb 破る literally means to tear or rip something, like paper or cloth. When you use it with 約束 (promise), it creates a vivid image. You are physically 'tearing' the agreement you made. It’s a strong expression that carries a sense of disappointment or betrayal.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like you would in English. You can use it to talk about yourself or others. If you forgot to meet a friend, you might say you broke the promise. If a company doesn't follow its contract, they broke the promise. It’s very versatile. You can use it in the past tense as 約束を破った or as a request like 約束を破らないで (don't break the promise).
When To Use It
Use this when the stakes are clear. It fits perfectly when a friend flakes on dinner plans. It also works when a partner forgets an anniversary. In professional settings, use it if a deadline is missed. It’s great for dramatic moments in movies too! If you're texting a friend who is late, a playful 約束を破ったね！ (You broke our promise!) works well.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for tiny, accidental slips. If someone is just five minutes late, this might sound too harsh. In those cases, just say they are 'late' (遅れる). Don't use it for things that weren't actually promised. If you just 'hoped' someone would do something, they didn't break a promise. It requires a clear agreement beforehand. Also, don't use it for breaking laws; use 法律を犯す instead.
Cultural Background
In Japan, keeping one's word is a pillar of social harmony (wa). Trust is built slowly and can be destroyed instantly by 約束を破る. There is a famous children's rhyme for pinky swears called 指切りげんまん (yubikiri genman). It jokingly threatens to make the promise-breaker swallow a thousand needles! This shows how seriously even kids are taught to take their word. Breaking a promise often requires a deep, sincere apology to mend the relationship.
Common Variations
The most common opposite is 約束を守る (to keep a promise). If you want to sound more formal, you might use 約束を違える (yakusoku o tagaeru). In very casual speech, people sometimes say 約パチ (yakupachi), though that's a bit dated. You might also hear 約束を反故にする (yakusoku o hogo ni suru) in business or literature, meaning to scrap a promise entirely.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and can be used in almost any context. However, because it implies a failure of character or reliability, be careful when using it to describe someone's actions to their face.
The Opposite Phrase
To say you 'kept' a promise, just swap 'yaburu' with 'mamoru' (守る). It's the most common pair in Japanese.
Don't over-use it
Calling someone a 'promise breaker' is a serious accusation in Japan. Use it sparingly for minor lateness to avoid sounding overly aggressive.
The Needle Swallowing Myth
Children often sing 'Yubikiri Genman' while pinky swearing. The lyrics say if you break the promise, you have to swallow 1,000 needles! It's a funny but slightly scary way kids learn the value of a word.
Examples
6また約束を破ったね。もう信じられないよ！
You broke your promise again. I can't believe you!
A direct and slightly emotional way to express disappointment.
約束を破るのは良くないことだよ。
Breaking promises is not a good thing to do.
Used here as a moral lesson in a neutral tone.
彼らが約束を破った場合、契約は終了します。
If they break the promise, the contract will be terminated.
Here, 'promise' refers to a formal agreement or clause.
ダイエットの約束を破って、ラーメン食べちゃった。
I broke my diet promise and ended up eating ramen.
A relatable, lighthearted use of the phrase.
彼は決して約束を破らない男だ。
He is a man who never breaks a promise.
Used to describe a character's strong integrity.
田中さんはいつも約束を破るから、誘わないほうがいいよ。
Tanaka always breaks his promises, so it's better not to invite him.
Used to describe a habit or personality trait.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase 'to break a promise'.
彼はいつも大事な約束を___。
While 'kiru' (cut) and 'kowasu' (break/destroy) are verbs for breaking things, 'yaburu' (tear) is the specific collocation used for promises.
Complete the sentence to say 'Don't break your promise.'
約束を___でください。
To say 'don't do something,' you use the nai-form of the verb plus 'de kudasai'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '約束を破る'
Used with close friends, often with 'chat' particles.
約束破ったなー！
The standard form used in most daily situations.
約束を破りました。
Used in business or serious written contexts.
約束を違えることのないよう...
When to use '約束を破る'
Flaking on dinner
Missing a restaurant reservation with friends.
Failing a diet
Eating sweets when you promised yourself you wouldn't.
Business deadlines
Not delivering a report by the agreed time.
Betraying a secret
Telling someone else a secret you promised to keep.
Practice Bank
2 exercises彼はいつも大事な約束を___。
While 'kiru' (cut) and 'kowasu' (break/destroy) are verbs for breaking things, 'yaburu' (tear) is the specific collocation used for promises.
約束を___でください。
To say 'don't do something,' you use the nai-form of the verb plus 'de kudasai'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 壊す (kowasu) is for physical objects like toys or machines. For promises, you must use 破る (yaburu).
Yes, it is neutral. However, in very formal business, you might say お約束を果たせませんでした (I couldn't fulfill the promise) to sound more humble.
You can say 約束を破ってしまって、ごめんなさい (Yakusoku o yabutte shimatte, gomen nasai).
It means to tear, rip, or defeat. Think of it as 'tearing' the piece of paper the promise was written on.
Not really a common one, but people might just say ウソつき！ (Liar!) if a promise is broken in a casual setting.
Yes, 契約を破る (keiyaku o yaburu) is very common for breaking a formal contract.
It is called 指切り (yubikiri). You often say 指切りしたでしょ？ (We did a pinky swear, right?) to remind someone of a promise.
No, use 法律を破る (houritsu o yaburu) or 法を犯す (hou o okasu) for laws.
It's better to avoid accusing your boss of 'breaking a promise' directly. Use softer language like お話が違います (The story is different).
Not necessarily. You can break a promise because you forgot or had an emergency, not just because you lied.
Related Phrases
約束を守る (keep a promise)
約束を忘れる (forget a promise)
指切り (pinky swear)
ドタキャン (last-minute cancellation)
誓う (to swear/vow)
