확약하다 in 30 Seconds
- A formal verb meaning to give a firm promise or definite guarantee.
- Used in business, legal, and official contexts to eliminate ambiguity.
- More intense and serious than the common word '약속하다' (to promise).
- Often involves written documents (확약서) or official public statements.
The Korean verb 확약하다 (hwakyakhada) is a sophisticated term that translates most accurately to 'to give a firm promise,' 'to guarantee definitely,' or 'to make a formal commitment.' It is composed of the Hanja roots 確 (확 - certain/solid) and 約 (약 - promise/agreement). Unlike the common word '약속하다' (to promise), which can be used for casual plans like meeting a friend for coffee, '확약하다' carries a heavy weight of legal, official, or professional obligation. It implies that the person making the promise is providing a guarantee that is meant to be relied upon, often involving documentation or high-stakes consequences.
- Formal Context
- In business negotiations, a company might '확약하다' the delivery date of a product to ensure the client that there will be no delays. It is the language of contracts and official statements.
그는 이번 계약의 이행을 서면으로 확약했다.
The nuance of certainty is what sets this word apart. When someone uses '확약하다,' they are removing any room for doubt or ambiguity. In political spheres, a candidate might '확약하다' a specific policy change to gain the trust of voters, signaling that this is not just a campaign slogan but a binding pledge. Because of its intensity, it is rarely used in casual conversation unless one is being intentionally dramatic or emphasizing a very serious personal commitment.
- Legal Weight
- In legal settings, '확약' refers to a formal assurance that can be used as evidence of intent. If a party '확약' something, they are essentially providing a warranty of their future actions.
정부는 내년까지 물가를 안정시키겠다고 확약했습니다.
Furthermore, '확약하다' is often paired with nouns like '이행' (fulfillment), '지급' (payment), or '공급' (supply). For example, a bank might '확약' the payment of a loan to a third party. This usage highlights the transactional nature of the word. It isn't just about feelings; it's about actions and outcomes that are guaranteed to happen.
- Psychological Nuance
- Using this word conveys a high level of confidence and authority. It suggests the speaker has the power and means to ensure the promise is kept.
본사는 대리점들에게 독점 판매권을 확약하며 계약을 체결했다.
Using 확약하다 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical structures and the level of formality it demands. As a transitive verb, it usually takes an object marked by the particles ~을/를, or it can take a clausal complement ending in ~겠다고 or ~기로.
- Direct Object Usage
- When you are guaranteeing a specific thing, like a 'date' or a 'right,' use the object particle.
회사는 직원의 복지 향상을 확약했다.
When you want to express what action you are promising to do, you use a quote-like structure. The most common is [Action]~겠다고 확약하다, which means 'to give a firm promise that [one] will [action].' This is frequently seen in news reports and official announcements.
- Quotative Usage
- This structure emphasizes the content of the promise. It is the standard way to report on commitments made by organizations or leaders.
그는 다시는 이런 일이 없을 것이라고 확약했습니다.
Another important aspect is the passive form or the noun usage. 확약받다 (to receive a firm promise) is just as common as the active verb. If you are the beneficiary of the guarantee, you would say you '확약받았다' something from someone (~에게/로부터).
- Adverbial Modification
- '확약하다' is often modified by adverbs like '공식적으로' (officially), '서면으로' (in writing), or '구두로' (verbally) to specify the medium of the guarantee.
양측은 협력 관계를 강화할 것을 공식적으로 확약했다.
In the B2 level of Korean proficiency, you are expected to use these more formal verbs to describe social and professional interactions. Using '확약하다' instead of '약속하다' in a business writing task will significantly boost your score as it demonstrates a grasp of professional register.
You are most likely to encounter 확약하다 in the following four domains: the news, business environments, legal documents, and high-stakes diplomatic discussions. It is a 'high-register' word, meaning it is used when precision and seriousness are paramount.
- 1. News and Media
- News anchors use this word when reporting on government pledges or corporate mergers. For example, 'The President firmly promised (확약했다) to support the new tech industry.'
뉴스 데스크: 장관은 철저한 조사를 확약했습니다.
In the corporate world, '확약서' (Letter of Commitment/Assurance) is a standard document. During a job interview for a high-level position, or when negotiating a partnership, you might hear a CEO say they will '확약' certain resources for the project. It builds trust because it sounds more 'real' than a simple promise.
- 2. Business Meetings
- When a vendor is trying to close a deal, they will use this word to reassure the buyer about quality control or delivery timelines.
저희는 최상의 품질을 확약드릴 수 있습니다.
Legal and diplomatic contexts are perhaps where the word is most critical. In international relations, when one country '확약' its support to another, it is a formal diplomatic act. In law, an '이행확약' (commitment to perform) is a binding promise that can lead to lawsuits if broken.
- 3. Financial Transactions
- Banks '확약' credit lines or loan approvals. If you see this word on a bank document, it means the funds are officially committed to you.
은행은 대출 실행을 확약하는 문서를 발송했다.
The most common mistake learners make with 확약하다 is using it in too casual a context. Because it translates to 'promise,' beginners often swap it with '약속하다' in everyday sentences, which sounds very unnatural to native speakers.
- Mistake 1: Casual Overuse
- Saying '내일 영화 보러 가기로 확약해' (Give me a definite guarantee that we will go see a movie tomorrow) sounds like you are a lawyer talking to a client, not a friend talking to a friend.
❌ 친구야, 내일 꼭 오겠다고 확약해!
✅ 친구야, 내일 꼭 오겠다고 약속해!
Another mistake is confusing it with 확인하다 (to confirm/check). While they share the '확' (certain) root, '확인하다' is about verifying information that already exists, whereas '확약하다' is about creating a firm commitment for the future. You '확인' the time of a flight, but you '확약' that you will pay for the ticket.
- Mistake 2: Confusing with '확인하다'
- Learners often say '확약' when they mean they just checked something. Remember: '확인' is looking back/at the present; '확약' is looking forward.
❌ 예약을 확약하고 싶어요. (Unless you mean you want to legally guarantee it)
✅ 예약을 확인하고 싶어요. (I want to check my reservation)
Finally, some learners forget the '하다' and just use the noun '확약'. While '확약' is a noun, in most sentences, you need the '하다' to act as a verb. If you want to say 'The firm promise was made,' you can say '확약이 이루어졌다,' but '확약했다' is the active form you'll need most often.
To truly master 확약하다, you must see how it sits alongside its synonyms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning depending on the level of intensity and the context.
- 확약하다 vs. 약속하다
- 약속하다 is the general term for any promise. 확약하다 is specifically for formal, firm, and often documented guarantees. If '약속' is a handshake, '확약' is a signed document.
- 확약하다 vs. 보증하다
- 보증하다 (to guarantee/warranty) is very close, but '보증' often implies a financial or quality guarantee (like a product warranty). '확약' is more about the act of promising firmly.
비교: 품질을 보증하다 (Guarantee quality) vs. 기한 내 완공을 확약하다 (Firmly promise completion within the deadline).
Other alternatives include 단언하다 (to assert/state positively) and 다짐하다 (to resolve/pledge to oneself or others). '단언하다' is about the truth of a statement, while '다짐하다' is about one's inner determination.
- More formal alternatives
- 언명하다 (to state/declare): Used in very formal diplomatic settings.
공표하다 (to officially announce): Used when a promise is made public to everyone.
In summary, choose '확약하다' when the promise is formal, serious, and requires a high degree of certainty. Use '약속하다' for everything else.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 確 (확) originally depicted a stone, implying something as solid as a rock. When paired with 約 (약), it literally means a 'rock-solid promise.'
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing '확' as 'hak' (missing the 'w' sound).
- Not aspirating the 'k' in '약' when it meets '하'. It should sound like 'k-ha'.
- Treating '확약' as two separate words with a pause; it should flow as one verb.
- Confusing the 'yak' sound with 'yuk'.
- Weakening the 'k' at the end of 'hwak'.
Difficulty Rating
Common in news and documents, but requires knowledge of Hanja-based vocabulary.
Requires correct formal particle usage and understanding of professional register.
Rare in daily speech; sounds very stiff if used incorrectly.
Easy to recognize once the 'Hwak' and 'Yak' roots are known.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Indirect Quotation (~다고/라고)
그는 성공을 확약한다고 말했다.
Intentional Future (~겠다)
반드시 이행하겠다고 확약했다.
Noun-modifying form (~는/은/을)
확약하는 문서가 필요합니다.
Nominalization (~기/음)
그의 확약은 믿을 만하다.
Purpose Clause (~하기 위해)
신뢰를 주기 위해 확약했다.
Examples by Level
선생님은 우리에게 도움을 확약했어요.
The teacher gave us a firm promise of help.
Simple past tense of 확약하다.
그는 꼭 오겠다고 확약했습니다.
He gave a firm promise that he would definitely come.
~겠다고 is used for quoting a future intention.
엄마는 선물을 확약했어요.
Mom gave a firm promise for a gift.
Object marker ~를/을 is used with the noun '선물'.
우리는 비밀을 확약해요.
We firmly promise the secret.
Present tense polite form.
의사 선생님은 건강을 확약했어요.
The doctor gave a firm promise of health.
Subject + Object + Verb structure.
그녀는 정직을 확약했습니다.
She gave a firm promise of honesty.
Formal ending ~습니다.
친구는 돈을 갚겠다고 확약했어요.
My friend firmly promised to pay back the money.
Verb base + 겠다고 (promise to do).
가게 주인은 신선함을 확약해요.
The shop owner guarantees the freshness.
Used in a commercial/business context.
회사는 안전한 근무 환경을 확약했다.
The company guaranteed a safe working environment.
Plain style (~다) used in reports.
판매자는 빠른 배송을 확약했습니다.
The seller guaranteed fast delivery.
Formal polite style.
우리는 이번 프로젝트의 성공을 확약합니다.
We guarantee the success of this project.
Present tense formal.
그는 정시에 도착할 것을 확약했다.
He gave a firm promise to arrive on time.
~을 것을 확약하다 (promise to do something).
정부는 새로운 도로 건설을 확약했어요.
The government firmly promised to build a new road.
Noun + 을/를 + 확약하다.
은행은 대출을 확약하는 편지를 보냈다.
The bank sent a letter guaranteeing the loan.
Present participle form (~하는) modifying '편지'.
그녀는 비밀 유지를 확약했습니다.
She gave a firm promise to keep the secret.
Formal style.
팀장은 보너스 지급을 확약했다.
The team leader guaranteed the payment of bonuses.
Business context.
대통령은 경제 회복을 위해 최선을 다하겠다고 확약했다.
The president firmly promised to do his best for economic recovery.
Complex sentence with purpose (~위해) and quote (~겠다고).
양측은 평화 협정의 이행을 서면으로 확약했습니다.
Both sides firmly promised the implementation of the peace treaty in writing.
Adverbial phrase '서면으로' (in writing).
보험사는 사고 발생 시 전액 보상을 확약했다.
The insurance company guaranteed full compensation in case of an accident.
Conditional phrase (~시).
그는 자신의 잘못을 인정하고 재발 방지를 확약했다.
He admitted his mistake and firmly promised to prevent a recurrence.
Connecting particle ~고.
회사는 내년까지 신제품 출시를 확약하고 있습니다.
The company is currently guaranteeing the launch of the new product by next year.
Progressive form ~고 있다.
그들은 어떠한 차별도 하지 않겠다고 확약했습니다.
They firmly promised not to practice any discrimination.
Negative quote ~지 않겠다고.
건설사는 아파트 완공 날짜를 확약했다.
The construction company guaranteed the completion date of the apartment.
Specific noun object.
시장은 시민들에게 투명한 행정을 확약했다.
The mayor firmly promised transparent administration to the citizens.
Indirect object ~에게.
본 계약은 양당사자가 합의된 사항을 확약하기 위해 체결되었다.
This contract was concluded to guarantee the matters agreed upon by both parties.
Passive voice '체결되었다' and purpose clause '~하기 위해'.
공급업체는 원자재의 안정적인 수급을 확약해야 합니다.
The supplier must guarantee the stable supply and demand of raw materials.
Obligation form ~해야 합니다.
그는 투자자들에게 높은 수익률을 확약하며 자금을 모았다.
He raised funds by guaranteeing high returns to investors.
Simultaneous action ~하며.
정부는 해당 지역의 개발 제한 구역 해제를 확약했다.
The government firmly promised to lift the development restriction zone in the area.
Complex noun phrase as object.
피고인은 법정에서 진실만을 말할 것을 확약했습니다.
The defendant gave a firm promise in court to tell only the truth.
Legal context.
항공사는 기상 악화 시 숙박 제공을 확약하고 있다.
The airline is guaranteeing the provision of accommodation in case of bad weather.
Progressive tense.
그는 이번 프로젝트에 전념할 것을 확약하며 사직서를 철회했다.
He withdrew his resignation, firmly promising to devote himself to this project.
Connecting multiple actions.
양국은 군사적 도발을 중단할 것을 공식적으로 확약했다.
The two countries officially guaranteed to stop military provocations.
Adverb '공식적으로'.
행정청의 확약은 신뢰보호의 원칙에 따라 구속력을 가질 수 있다.
An administrative commitment (assurance) can have binding force according to the principle of protection of trust.
Noun usage '확약' and legal terminology.
그는 자신의 정치적 생명을 걸고 개헌을 확약했다.
He firmly promised constitutional amendment, staking his political life on it.
Idiomatic expression '생명을 걸고'.
기업은 환경 보호를 위한 구체적인 로드맵 이행을 확약해야 한다.
Corporations must guarantee the implementation of a specific roadmap for environmental protection.
High-level vocabulary like '로드맵' and '이행'.
채무자는 채권자에게 기한 내 변제를 확약하는 공정증서를 작성했다.
The debtor prepared a notarized deed guaranteeing repayment to the creditor within the deadline.
Technical legal terms '변제' and '공정증서'.
그는 어떠한 외압에도 굴하지 않고 진실 규명을 확약했다.
He firmly promised to uncover the truth without yielding to any external pressure.
Concessive phrase '~에도 굴하지 않고'.
이사회는 주주들에게 배당금 증액을 확약함으로써 신뢰를 회복하려 했다.
The board of directors tried to restore trust by guaranteeing an increase in dividends to shareholders.
Instrumental case '~함으로써' (by doing).
정부는 미분양 아파트의 매입을 확약하여 건설사의 유동성 위기를 막았다.
The government prevented the construction companies' liquidity crisis by guaranteeing the purchase of unsold apartments.
Economic context and cause-effect structure.
그는 모든 책임을 통감하며 피해 보상을 확약하는 성명서를 발표했다.
He released a statement firmly promising compensation for damages while deeply feeling his responsibility.
Formal verb '통감하다' and '성명서'.
국제 사회의 확약에도 불구하고 분쟁 지역의 긴장은 여전히 팽팽하다.
Despite the firm promises of the international community, tensions in the conflict zone remain high.
Contrastive structure '~에도 불구하고'.
행정법상 확약이 행정처분성을 갖는지에 대해서는 학설이 대립하고 있다.
There is a conflict of academic theories regarding whether an assurance in administrative law has the character of an administrative disposition.
Academic and legal jargon.
그는 독점적 지위를 확약받는 조건으로 막대한 자본을 투자하기로 했다.
He decided to invest massive capital on the condition of being guaranteed an exclusive position.
Passive-like construction '확약받다'.
국가는 국민의 생명과 안전을 보호할 의무를 헌법적으로 확약하고 있다.
The state constitutionally guarantees the duty to protect the life and safety of the people.
Abstract and philosophical usage.
당사는 기술적 우위뿐만 아니라 사후 관리의 철저함까지 확약하는 바입니다.
Our company guarantees not only technical superiority but also the thoroughness of follow-up management.
Formal ending '~하는 바입니다'.
그는 자신의 무고함을 입증할 증거를 제시하며 결백을 확약했다.
He firmly promised his innocence while presenting evidence to prove his lack of guilt.
Complex participial phrase.
정치적 확약이 실질적 행동으로 이어지지 않을 때 대중의 냉소는 깊어진다.
When political commitments do not lead to substantive action, public cynicism deepens.
Abstract socio-political analysis.
계약서상 확약 조항은 위반 시 막대한 위약금을 발생시킨다.
A guarantee clause in a contract triggers massive penalties in case of violation.
Causative verb '발생시키다'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A very formal way to say 'I give you my firm promise.' Used in business letters.
최선을 다할 것을 확약 드립니다.
— As previously guaranteed or firmly promised.
확약된 바와 같이 오늘 배송됩니다.
— If there is no firm guarantee.
확약이 없다면 계약을 진행할 수 없습니다.
— A verbal firm promise (as opposed to written).
구두 확약만으로는 부족합니다.
— A firm promise or confirmation made after the fact.
사후 확약을 통해 문제를 해결했다.
— A letter of commitment to perform a duty.
이행 확약서를 제출해 주세요.
— The legal or practical effect of a firm promise.
이 확약의 효력은 즉시 발생합니다.
— To break a firm promise or guarantee.
그는 확약을 어기고 연락을 끊었다.
— To demand a firm guarantee from someone.
피해자는 공식적인 확약을 요구했다.
— Based on the firm promise made.
이전의 확약에 근거하여 소송을 제기했다.
Often Confused With
To confirm or check information (past/present). 확약하다 is to guarantee (future).
To permit or allow. 확약하다 is to promise to do something.
To expand. Sounds similar but totally different meaning.
Idioms & Expressions
— To promise something repeatedly and fervently (literally: until one's mouth is dry).
그는 성공을 입에 침이 마르도록 확약했다.
Informal/Emphatic— To swear/promise to the heavens (very strong personal oath).
결백을 하늘에 대고 확약할 수 있습니다.
Literary/Dramatic— An idiom used to say one is so certain that they would burn their hand if wrong (extreme confidence).
내가 이길 것을 손에 장을 지지며 확약한다.
Informal/Slangy— To promise as firmly as iron and stone.
그는 철석같이 확약하며 떠났다.
Neutral— To guarantee something so firmly it's as if a seal was stamped.
성공을 도장을 찍어 확약하듯 말했다.
Neutral— To promise something at the risk of one's life.
나라를 지키겠다고 목숨을 걸고 확약했다.
High-register/Dramatic— To promise something so clearly and firmly that it cannot be changed (like driving a nail).
그는 다시는 안 하겠다고 못을 박아 확약했다.
Neutral— To finalize a guarantee with a document (like driving a wedge).
확약서로 쐐기를 박아 계약을 마무리했다.
Business— To guarantee that one's words are not empty/lies.
이것은 빈말이 아님을 확약합니다.
Neutral— An idiom/proverb meaning 'Don't make firm promises easily' (because they are hard to keep).
세상 일은 모르니 확약은 금물이다.
NeutralEasily Confused
Both mean guarantee.
보증 focuses more on the quality or financial backing; 확약 focuses on the act of promising firmly.
품질 보증 (Quality guarantee) vs. 이행 확약 (Performance commitment).
Both mean promise.
약속 is general; 확약 is formal and certain.
내일 만나기로 약속해. vs. 기한 내 완공을 확약합니다.
Both express certainty.
단언 is about asserting a fact; 확약 is about promising an action.
그는 그것이 사실이라고 단언했다. vs. 그는 그것을 하겠다고 확약했다.
Both involve a pledge.
다짐 is often personal or emotional resolution; 확약 is a formal commitment to others.
성공을 다짐했다. (Personal) vs. 성공을 확약했다. (To investors).
Both are formal statements.
언명 is simply stating a position; 확약 is specifically a promise to do something.
입장을 언명하다. vs. 지원을 확약하다.
Sentence Patterns
N을/를 확약하다
성공을 확약하다.
V-겠다고 확약하다
도와주겠다고 확약하다.
V-ㄹ 것을 확약하다
참석할 것을 확약하다.
N으로부터 확약을 받다
회사로부터 확약을 받다.
N에 대한 확약을 주다
결과에 대한 확약을 주다.
서면으로 N을 확약하다
서면으로 보상을 확약하다.
N의 이행을 확약하다
계약의 이행을 확약하다.
확약하는 바이다
최선을 다할 것을 확약하는 바이다.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Medium-High in professional contexts; Low in daily life.
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Using '확약하다' to mean 'to check'.
→
확인하다
Learners confuse these because both start with '확'. '확인' is to verify; '확약' is to promise.
-
Using '확약하다' with friends for casual plans.
→
약속하다
It sounds way too formal and weirdly legalistic for casual settings.
-
Saying '확약이 했어요'.
→
확약했어요 / 확약이 되었어요
As a verb, it should be '확약하다'. If using the noun as a subject, use '되다' (passive).
-
Confusing '확약' with '예약' (reservation).
→
예약하다
You '예약' a hotel room, you don't '확약' it (unless you are the hotel guaranteeing the room).
-
Using '확약하다' for past events.
→
단언하다 / 확인하다
You can't 'promise' something that already happened. You can only 'assert' it was true.
Tips
Use in TOPIK
Using '확약하다' in the TOPIK II writing section (Task 53 or 54) when discussing social issues or business will help you achieve a higher score for vocabulary.
Business Etiquette
When a Korean partner asks for a '확약,' they are looking for a high level of commitment. Don't use this word lightly in negotiations.
Particle Choice
Remember to use '~을/를' for the thing being promised. For verbs, use '~할 것을' or '~겠다고'.
Root Word
Focus on '확' (Certain). Most words starting with '확' (확실, 확인, 확정) deal with making things clear and sure.
Speaking Tone
When saying this word, use a firm, confident tone of voice to match its meaning.
Legal Nuance
In Korean law, an administrative '확약' is a promise by the state. Knowing this helps in understanding news about lawsuits against the government.
Formal Documents
If you are writing a contract, use '확약한다' for the clauses where parties make specific guarantees.
Don't confuse with '확인'
Checking (확인) is not the same as promising (확약). This is a common B-level learner mistake.
Choose Wisely
If you are promising quality, '보증' is better. If you are promising a deadline, '확약' is better.
Trust Building
In Korea, giving a '확약' is a powerful way to build trust (신뢰) in a new professional relationship.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Hwak' as 'Whack!'—hitting a nail into a board to make it 'Sure' (확실), and 'Yak' as 'Yak-sok' (Promise). You are whacking the promise into place so it's permanent!
Visual Association
Imagine a legal document with a giant red wax seal. The seal represents the '확' (certainty) being added to the '약속' (promise).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write three sentences about your career goals using '확약하다' to sound like a professional making a commitment to your future self.
Word Origin
Derived from Sino-Korean roots (Hanja). 確 (확) meaning 'certain,' 'solid,' or 'firm' and 約 (약) meaning 'promise,' 'agreement,' or 'contract.'
Original meaning: A solid or certain agreement.
Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo)Cultural Context
Be careful not to '확약' something you cannot fulfill, as it implies a much higher level of responsibility than a simple '약속'.
In English, we often use 'guarantee' or 'pledge.' '확약하다' is slightly more formal than 'pledge' and more focused on the promise aspect than 'guarantee.'
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Business Contracts
- 납기일을 확약하다
- 품질 확약
- 계약 이행 확약
- 확약서 제출
Government/Politics
- 정책 이행 확약
- 지원을 확약하다
- 공식 확약
- 재발 방지 확약
Finance/Banking
- 대출 실행 확약
- 지급 확약서
- 수익률 확약
- 상환 확약
Law/Court
- 진술의 진실성 확약
- 비밀 유지 확약
- 피해 보상 확약
- 법적 확약
Diplomacy
- 상호 협력 확약
- 안보 확약
- 조약 이행 확약
- 공동 성명 확약
Conversation Starters
"이번 프로젝트의 마감 기한을 확약해 주실 수 있나요?"
"정부가 발표한 이번 정책의 실현 가능성을 어떻게 확약할 수 있을까요?"
"상대측에서 서면 확약을 요구하고 있는데 어떻게 대응해야 할까요?"
"이 계약서에 포함된 확약 조항들이 우리에게 유리한가요?"
"고객들에게 서비스 품질을 어떻게 확약하는 것이 가장 좋을까요?"
Journal Prompts
오늘 내가 나 자신에게 확약한 한 가지는 무엇인가요? (What is one thing I firmly promised myself today?)
살면서 누군가에게 받은 가장 중요한 확약은 무엇이었나요? (What was the most important firm promise you received in your life?)
정치인의 확약이 지켜지지 않았을 때 어떤 기분이 드나요? (How do you feel when a politician's firm promise is not kept?)
직장 생활에서 '약속'과 '확약'의 차이를 느낀 적이 있나요? (Have you felt the difference between a 'promise' and a 'guarantee' at work?)
내가 미래의 배우자나 파트너에게 확약하고 싶은 가치는 무엇인가요? (What values do I want to firmly guarantee to a future spouse or partner?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsRarely. It sounds very stiff and formal. Use '약속하다' with friends and family.
Yes, it is highly recommended when you want to reassure a client or partner about a commitment.
It is a formal 'Letter of Commitment' or 'Letter of Assurance' used in business and law.
While similar, '보증' often implies a warranty or financial guarantee, whereas '확약' is a firm promise of action.
You use the form '확약을 받았다' or '확약받았다'.
Not necessarily, but it often implies that a written confirmation exists or is forthcoming because the promise is so formal.
Yes, this is a very common usage in news reports about government pledges.
Yes, it is the noun form meaning 'firm promise' or 'definite guarantee'.
It is 確約 (확실할 확, 약속할 약).
No, it is used for promising future actions or guaranteeing a certain state in the future.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Translate: 'The company firmly promised to pay the bonus.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '서면으로' and '확약하다'.
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Translate: 'I give you my firm assurance.' (Formal)
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Write a sentence using '정부' (government) and '확약하다'.
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Translate: 'He firmly promised that he would not lie.'
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Use '확약받다' in a sentence about a loan.
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Translate: 'The mayor guaranteed transparent administration.'
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Write a sentence about 'secret' (비밀) and 'guarantee'.
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Translate: 'We guarantee the success of the project.'
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Translate: 'Please give me a firm promise in writing.'
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Write a sentence about 'safety' (안전) using '확약'.
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Translate: 'The two countries guaranteed peace.'
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Translate: 'I guarantee that such a thing will not happen again.'
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Write a sentence using '확약서'.
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Translate: 'The bank guaranteed the payment.'
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Translate: 'The candidate guaranteed a tax cut.'
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Write a sentence using '확약' in the progressive tense (~고 있다).
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Translate: 'He admitted his fault and guaranteed recurrence prevention.'
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Translate: 'I guarantee to do my best.' (Formal)
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Translate: 'The supplier guaranteed the raw materials.'
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Pronounce: 확약하다
Read this aloud:
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Say 'I guarantee it' formally.
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Say 'I promise in writing' in Korean.
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Repeat: '정부는 지원을 확약했다.'
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You said:
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Ask 'Can you guarantee the delivery date?'
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Say 'I received a firm promise from the bank.'
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Say 'I promise to do my best' using 확약.
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Pronounce: 확약서
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Say 'The mayor guaranteed safety.'
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Repeat: '비밀 유지를 확약합니다.'
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Say 'It is an official guarantee.'
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Say 'I promise not to do it again.'
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Ask 'Do we need a written guarantee?'
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Say 'The company guaranteed the bonus.'
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Say 'I guarantee high quality.'
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Repeat: '재발 방지를 확약했다.'
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Say 'I guarantee the success of the deal.'
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Say 'They guaranteed to help.'
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Say 'I am making a firm promise.'
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Say 'Please guarantee it officially.'
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You said:
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Listen and write the verb: '정부는 경제 회복을 확약했다.'
What did the speaker guarantee? '배송 날짜를 확약합니다.'
Is the promise written or verbal? '서면으로 확약했습니다.'
Who made the promise? '회사가 보너스를 확약했다.'
What is the tone? '확약 드리는 바입니다.'
Did they promise to do it again? '재발 방지를 확약했다.'
What document was mentioned? '확약서를 보내주세요.'
Did the person receive or give the promise? '확약을 받았습니다.'
What was guaranteed? '품질을 확약합니다.'
Was it official? '공식적으로 확약했습니다.'
What is the action? '이행을 확약하다.'
What was the promise about? '비밀 유지를 확약했다.'
Is it a strong promise? '확약합니다.'
What is the subject? '은행이 대출을 확약했다.'
What time frame? '내년까지 완공을 확약했다.'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word '확약하다' is the professional version of 'to promise.' Use it when you need to express that a commitment is 100% certain and binding. Example: '회사는 정시 배송을 확약했다' (The company guaranteed on-time delivery).
- A formal verb meaning to give a firm promise or definite guarantee.
- Used in business, legal, and official contexts to eliminate ambiguity.
- More intense and serious than the common word '약속하다' (to promise).
- Often involves written documents (확약서) or official public statements.
Use in TOPIK
Using '확약하다' in the TOPIK II writing section (Task 53 or 54) when discussing social issues or business will help you achieve a higher score for vocabulary.
Business Etiquette
When a Korean partner asks for a '확약,' they are looking for a high level of commitment. Don't use this word lightly in negotiations.
Particle Choice
Remember to use '~을/를' for the thing being promised. For verbs, use '~할 것을' or '~겠다고'.
Root Word
Focus on '확' (Certain). Most words starting with '확' (확실, 확인, 확정) deal with making things clear and sure.
Example
그는 이번 사태에 대해 재발 방지를 확약했다.
