Meaning
To give one's word or commit to an action.
Cultural Background
The 'Pinky Swear' is often a three-step process: Hooking pinkies ({약속|約束}), pressing thumbs ({도장|圖章} - stamp), and rubbing palms ({복사|複寫} - copy). The phrase '밥 한번 먹자' (Let's eat sometime) is a common 'empty promise' used as a greeting. It's not a formal {약속|約束} until a specific day is mentioned. Punctuality for a {약속|約束} is critical. Arriving 5-10 minutes early is expected. Being late is seen as 'breaking the promise' of the time set. Young people use '약속 잡다' (catch a promise) almost exclusively for social plans, while '약속하다' feels slightly more formal or serious.
The 'Catch' Rule
Use '약속 잡다' (catch a promise) when you are in the process of negotiating a time with a friend. It sounds 100% native.
Don't 'Make' it
Never say '약속을 만들다'. It sounds like you are manufacturing a fake excuse.
Meaning
To give one's word or commit to an action.
The 'Catch' Rule
Use '약속 잡다' (catch a promise) when you are in the process of negotiating a time with a friend. It sounds 100% native.
Don't 'Make' it
Never say '약속을 만들다'. It sounds like you are manufacturing a fake excuse.
The 'Empty' Promise
If someone says 'Let's meet soon' without a date, don't put it in your calendar. It's just a polite greeting!
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a doctor's visit.
내일 병원 ____를 했어요.
While '예약' (reservation) is sometimes used for hospitals, '약속' is the standard way to say you have an appointment with a person (the doctor).
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and verb form (informal polite).
친구와 저녁에 만나기로 ____ ____.
The context '만나기로' (decided to meet) requires the verb 'to make a promise/appointment'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 오늘 같이 영화 볼래? B: 미안해, 이미 ____이/가 있어.
'약속이 있다' is the standard phrase for 'I have plans.'
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a romantic scene where someone gives their word?
'약속을 하다' is the only one that functions as 'to give one's word/promise.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
약속 vs 예약
Practice Bank
4 exercises내일 병원 ____를 했어요.
While '예약' (reservation) is sometimes used for hospitals, '약속' is the standard way to say you have an appointment with a person (the doctor).
친구와 저녁에 만나기로 ____ ____.
The context '만나기로' (decided to meet) requires the verb 'to make a promise/appointment'.
A: 오늘 같이 영화 볼래? B: 미안해, 이미 ____이/가 있어.
'약속이 있다' is the standard phrase for 'I have plans.'
Which phrase fits a romantic scene where someone gives their word?
'약속을 하다' is the only one that functions as 'to give one's word/promise.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly fine for both professional and personal meetings.
There is no difference in meaning. '약속하다' is just the shortened version, more common in speech.
You say '약속을 어겼어요' (yaksogeul eogyeosseoyo).
Yes, but '데이트' (date) is also used. '약속' is more general.
In Korean thought, an appointment is a promise to be at a certain place at a certain time. The concepts are not separated.
Only if you are meeting a person there. If you are just booking the table, use '예약'.
It means 'previous appointment' (선 = before, 약 = promise).
You can say '진심으로 약속해요' (I sincerely promise) or '맹세해요' (I swear).
Yes, '자신과의 약속' (a promise with oneself) is a common expression.
'약속' is a noun. '약속하다' is the verb form.
Related Phrases
약속을 잡다
similarTo set/make an appointment
약속을 지키다
builds onTo keep a promise
선약
specialized formPrevious appointment
예약하다
contrastTo reserve
맹세하다
specialized formTo swear an oath
