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약혼하다

A2 verb #7,000 most common 10 min read

약혼하다

Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 약혼하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 약혼하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '약혼하다' means 'to get engaged.' You can think of it as a step before '결혼하다' (to marry). Even though it's a bit formal, you might hear it in simple stories or when people talk about their families. Just remember the structure: 'Person A + 와/과 (with) + 약혼해요.' For example, '민수 씨는 지수 씨와 약혼해요' (Minsu gets engaged to Jisu). At this stage, focus on the present and past tense: '약혼해요' and '약혼했어요.' You don't need to worry about the deep cultural meanings yet—just know it's a 'promise to marry.' It's a '하다' verb, so it follows all the regular rules you've learned for verbs like '공부하다' or '운동하다.'

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '약혼하다' in more varied sentences. You can use it to describe plans or past events. For instance, '우리는 내년에 약혼할 거예요' (We will get engaged next year). You should also learn the word for the person you are engaged to: '약혼자' (fiancé/fiancée). At this level, you start to see the difference between 'dating' (사귀다) and 'getting engaged' (약혼하다). '약혼하다' is a much stronger commitment. You might also encounter the noun form '약혼' in phrases like '약혼 반지' (engagement ring). Try to use it with connecting particles like '-고' (and) or '-아서/어서' (because), such as '약혼해서 정말 행복해요' (I'm so happy because I got engaged).

By B1, you should understand the social implications of '약혼하다' in Korea. It's not just a romantic gesture; it often involves a formal agreement between families. You can use more complex grammar like '약혼하기로 했다' (decided to get engaged) or '약혼한 지 1년 됐어요' (It has been a year since I got engaged). You should also be aware of the opposite verb, '파혼하다' (to break an engagement), which is a common topic in dramas and news. At this level, you can discuss the reasons why people get engaged and how it differs from simply living together. You might use it in the context of '상견례' (the formal family meeting), which often leads to the act of '약혼하다.'

At the B2 level, you can use '약혼하다' in formal and professional contexts. You should be comfortable with honorific forms like '약혼하셨습니다' and understand how to use the word in passive-like or causative structures, such as '부모님에 의해 약혼하게 되다' (to end up engaged by one's parents). You can discuss the nuances between '약혼' and '정혼' (traditional arranged engagement) and explain the cultural transition in Korea from arranged marriages to 'love' engagements. You should also be able to read news articles about celebrity engagements and understand the legal terminology surrounding engagement contracts or the return of engagement gifts (예물) if the engagement is broken.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of '약혼하다' and its related literary terms. You can use '가약' or '백년가약' to describe a lifelong promise in a poetic way. You can analyze the portrayal of '약혼' in Korean literature or film as a symbol of social status or family duty. You should be able to discuss the legal aspects of '약혼' in the Korean Civil Code, including what constitutes a valid engagement and the grounds for compensation if an engagement is broken. Your vocabulary should include '약혼 파기' (annulment of engagement) and '혼인 예약' (marriage reservation/engagement). You can speak fluently about how the concept of '약혼' has evolved in the face of modern individualism.

At the C2 level, you use '약혼하다' with the same ease as a native speaker, understanding all its historical, legal, and social connotations. You can engage in deep academic or sociological debates about the declining rates of '약혼' and '결혼' in Korea and how the traditional '약혼식' (engagement ceremony) has been replaced by more informal practices. You can interpret classical texts where '정혼' or '약혼' are central themes and translate these concepts accurately into English, capturing the specific cultural weight they carry. You are also familiar with obscure idioms and proverbs related to marriage promises and can use them appropriately in high-level discourse or creative writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

약혼하다 in 30 Seconds

약혼하다 means 'to get engaged' or promise to marry.
It is a formal verb used for serious commitments.
It requires the particle -와/과 to indicate the partner.
Commonly heard in K-Dramas and formal family settings.

The Korean verb 약혼하다 (Yakhon-hada) is a formal and deeply significant term used to describe the act of promising to marry someone. Derived from the Hanja characters 약 (約 - promise/agreement) and 혼 (婚 - marriage), it literally translates to 'promising a marriage.' In the context of Korean society, this word carries a weight that spans from traditional family-arranged agreements to modern romantic commitments. While younger generations might simply say they are 'engaged' in a casual sense, using the word 약혼하다 often implies a more official status, sometimes involving a formal ceremony called a yakhon-sik (약혼식).

Social Context: In Korea, getting engaged is not just a private agreement between two individuals but often involves the formal recognition of two families. When a couple decides to 약혼하다, it signals to their social circles and relatives that they are no longer just 'dating' but are on a definitive path toward joining their families.

우리는 지난달에 가족들 앞에서 정식으로 약혼했다. (We officially got engaged in front of our families last month.)

Historically, 약혼하다 was the primary way marriages were established, often through matchmakers (중매). Today, it is used for 'love matches' (연애) as well. However, the linguistic register remains somewhat formal. You will hear it in news reports about celebrities, in legal discussions regarding marital promises, and in formal introductions. It is distinct from simply 'proposing' (프로포즈하다), as the proposal is the act of asking, while 약혼하다 is the state of having entered that formal agreement.

Formal Announcements: When a high-profile couple or a business family unites, the media uses 약혼하다 to describe the official alliance. It suggests a level of commitment that is legally and socially recognized, even if the wedding hasn't happened yet.

두 사람은 3년의 열애 끝에 드디어 약혼하기로 발표했다. (The two finally announced their decision to get engaged after three years of dating.)

The word is also used in negative contexts, such as 'breaking an engagement' (파혼하다). Because 약혼하다 implies a serious promise, breaking it is seen as a significant event. Understanding this word helps learners navigate the complexities of Korean relationship hierarchies and the transition from dating to family life. It is an A2 level word because while the concept is simple, its cultural application is nuanced and frequently encountered in daily media and conversation.

Usage in Literature: In classic Korean literature, 약혼하다 often involves the exchange of gifts or a written promise between heads of households, highlighting the contractual nature of the verb.

그들은 어릴 때 부모님들에 의해 약혼하게 되었다. (They came to be engaged by their parents when they were young.)

Using 약혼하다 correctly requires understanding its role as a '하다' verb. It can be used in various tenses and politeness levels, and it often takes a partner marked by the particle -와/과 (with) or -(이)랑 (with - colloquial). Because it is a process or a change of state, you will often see it in the past tense 약혼했다 (got engaged) or as a future intention 약혼할 것이다 (will get engaged).

Grammar Structure: [Subject] + [Partner]-와/과 약혼하다. For example: '민수는 지수와 약혼했다' (Minsu got engaged to Jisu). Note that in Korean, you don't 'engage someone' like an object; you engage 'with' them or 'do an engagement.'

우리는 크리스마스에 약혼하기로 약속했어요. (We promised to get engaged on Christmas.)

When talking about the state of being engaged, Koreans might use the noun form 약혼한 상태 (engaged state) or simply use the past tense to imply the current status. It's also common to see the causative form or passive-like structures in stories, such as 약혼시키다 (to make someone get engaged), often used when parents arrange a marriage for their children.

Polite vs. Casual: In formal settings: '약혼하셨습니까?' (Did you get engaged? - Honorific). In casual settings: '너 약혼했어?' (Did you get engaged?). Using the honorific '시' is important when speaking about elders or superiors.

형은 여자친구와 벌써 약혼한 사이예요. (My older brother and his girlfriend are already in an engaged relationship.)

Another common pattern is using 약혼한 as an adjective to describe a person, like 약혼한 남자 (engaged man) or 약혼한 여자 (engaged woman). However, the noun 약혼자 (fiancé/fiancée) is more frequently used for this purpose. When you want to describe the duration of the engagement, you use time markers: '1년 동안 약혼한 상태였다' (They were in an engaged state for one year).

Adverbial Usage: You can add adverbs like '비밀리에' (secretly) or '공식적으로' (officially) to add detail to how the engagement happened.

그들은 부모님 몰래 약혼했다가 나중에 들켰다. (They got engaged without their parents knowing and were caught later.)

If you are a fan of Korean dramas (K-Dramas), you have likely heard 약혼하다 hundreds of times. It is a staple plot device, especially in 'chaebol' (conglomerate family) dramas where marriages are often strategic. In these scenarios, characters are frequently forced to 약혼하다 with someone they don't love to secure a business deal or family inheritance. The dramatic tension often revolves around trying to break this engagement (파혼).

K-Drama Tropes: Listen for the line: '우리는 이미 약혼한 사이야!' (We are already engaged!). This is usually shouted by a second female lead to the main female lead to mark her territory.

드라마에서 주인공은 부모님의 강요로 약혼하게 되었다. (In the drama, the protagonist ended up getting engaged due to their parents' coercion.)

Beyond fiction, you will hear this word in celebrity news. When a famous actor or K-pop idol decides to marry, the official statement from their agency will often use the term 약혼 to describe the formal agreement before the wedding date is set. News anchors use it to maintain a professional and respectful tone. In real life, while 'propose' is a popular English word used in Korea, 약혼 is what you tell your grandparents or your boss to sound more mature and serious about your relationship.

Legal and Formal News: In the news, you might hear about '약혼 파기' (breach of engagement promise), which sometimes involves lawsuits regarding engagement gifts (예물) or emotional distress.

유명 연예인이 일반인 여자친구와 약혼했다는 소식이 전해졌다. (News was delivered that a famous celebrity got engaged to a non-celebrity girlfriend.)

In everyday life, you might hear it at a gathering of older relatives. If you bring a partner to meet your Korean family, an aunt might ask, '그래서 둘이 언제 약혼할 거니?' (So when are you two going to get engaged?). In this context, it's a way of asking when the relationship will become 'official' in the eyes of the family. It bridges the gap between 'just dating' and 'getting married.'

Religious Contexts: In some religious communities in Korea, a formal engagement ceremony is still held at the church or temple, where the couple '약혼하다' before the congregation.

그들은 교회에서 조촐하게 약혼식을 올렸다. (They held a small engagement ceremony at the church.)

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using 약혼하다 is confusing it with the act of 'proposing.' In English, we often say 'We got engaged' immediately after a proposal. However, in Korean, '프로포즈' (proposal) is the romantic event, while 약혼 is the social status or formal agreement that follows. If you say '약혼했어요' to describe the moment you knelt down, it's technically correct but lacks the romantic nuance of '프로포즈했어요.'

Mistake 1: Confusing with Marriage: Learners often mix up 약혼하다 (engage) and 결혼하다 (marry). Remember: 약혼 is the promise, 결혼 is the reality. Saying '나 어제 약혼했어' when you actually got married will lead to people asking when the wedding is!

❌ 어제 남편이랑 약혼했어요. (Wrong if you are already married.)
✅ 어제 남편이랑 결혼했어요. (Correct for marriage.)

Another mistake is the misuse of particles. Because 약혼하다 is a reciprocal action (you do it with someone), you must use the 'with' particles -와/과 or -랑. Beginners often try to use the object particle -를/을, which makes it sound like you are performing an engagement on someone, which is grammatically awkward.

Mistake 2: Overusing the Term: In modern Korea, many couples skip the 'formal engagement' phase and just go from dating to planning a wedding. If you use 약혼하다 for a casual promise between young lovers, it might sound a bit too old-fashioned or overly formal. '우리 결혼하기로 했어' (We decided to marry) is often more natural for casual news.

❌ 우리는 사귄 지 한 달 만에 약혼했다. (Sounds very heavy/formal for a 1-month relationship.)

Lastly, learners sometimes forget the honorifics. If you are talking about your parents or someone else's engagement, you should use 약혼하셨다. Failing to use honorifics when discussing elders' life events can come across as disrespectful in Korean culture. Also, be careful with the word 정혼 (arranged engagement), which is an archaic term. Stick to 약혼 unless you are writing a historical novel!

Mistake 3: Spelling: Don't confuse 약혼 (engagement) with 약한 (weak). They sound somewhat similar to beginners, but '약한 사람' is a weak person, while '약혼한 사람' is an engaged person!

그는 나의 약혼자입니다. (He is my fiancé.) - This is the correct way to identify the person.

Korean has several ways to express the idea of promising to marry, depending on the level of formality and the specific context of the promise. While 약혼하다 is the standard term, understanding its alternatives will make your Korean sound more natural and varied.

약혼하다 vs. 결혼을 약속하다: 약혼하다 is a formal verb. 결혼을 약속하다 (to promise marriage) is more descriptive and used in romantic or daily conversations. If you are telling a friend, 'We've decided to get married,' you would likely use the latter.

우리는 미래를 함께하기로 하고 결혼을 약속했다. (We decided to share our future and promised to marry.)

Another similar term is 정혼하다 (Jeonghon-hada). This is a much older, traditional term often found in historical dramas (Sa-geuk). It specifically refers to an engagement arranged by parents or families, often when the couple is still young. In modern life, you won't use this unless you are being intentionally humorous or talking about history.

약혼하다 vs. 상견례를 하다: In Korea, the 상견례 (formal meeting of both families) is often the functional equivalent of an engagement. Once the families meet and agree, the couple is essentially '약혼한' (engaged). Many Koreans say '상견례 했어요' to imply they are now officially heading toward marriage.

지난 주말에 상견례를 마쳤으니 이제 곧 결혼할 거예요. (We finished the formal family meeting last weekend, so we will marry soon.)

Lastly, consider the term 가약 (Ga-yak). This is a poetic and literary way to say 'promise' or 'engagement,' literally meaning 'beautiful promise.' You might see this in song lyrics or wedding invitations: '백년가약을 맺다' (to make a promise for a hundred years). It is much more romantic and formal than the everyday 약혼하다.

Antonyms: The direct opposite is 파혼하다 (to break an engagement). If the relationship ends after the wedding, it is 이혼하다 (to divorce).

성격 차이로 결국 파혼하게 되었습니다. (Due to personality differences, we eventually ended up breaking the engagement.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, '약혼' was often done through a written contract called a 'honseo' (marriage letter), which was exchanged between the families of the bride and groom.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ja.kʰon.ɦa.da/

US /ja.kʰon.hɑ.də/

The primary stress is on the second syllable 'khon', with a secondary stress on 'ha'.

Rhymes With

결혼하다 (Gyeolhon-hada) 공부하다 (Gongbu-hada) 운동하다 (Undong-hada) 전화하다 (Jeonhwa-hada) 사과하다 (Sagwa-hada) 도착하다 (Dochak-hada) 시작하다 (Sijak-hada) 생각하다 (Saenggak-hada)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '약' as 'yak' (like the animal) without the soft Korean 'y'.
Failing to aspirate the 'k' in 'khon', making it sound like 'gon'.
Merging 'hon' and 'ha' into one syllable.
Pronouncing 'da' with a hard 'T' sound.
Confusing the 'o' in 'hon' with an 'au' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to recognize as it frequently appears in media.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct usage of particles like -와/과.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Clear phonetic structure makes it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

결혼 (Marriage) 약속 (Promise) 하다 (To do) 사람 (Person) 사랑 (Love)

Learn Next

파혼하다 (To break engagement) 상견례 (Family meeting) 축하하다 (To congratulate) 반지 (Ring) 날짜 (Date)

Advanced

혼인 (Matrimony) 배우자 (Spouse) 부양하다 (To support/provide) 가약 (Solemn promise) 정략결혼 (Strategic marriage)

Grammar to Know

-와/과 (Particle for 'with')

지수와 약혼했어요.

-기로 하다 (Decide to do)

내년에 약혼하기로 했어요.

-ㄴ 지 (Time since an action)

약혼한 지 두 달 됐어요.

-아/어 보이다 (To look like)

약혼해서 행복해 보여요.

Honorific -시-

선생님께서 약혼하셨어요.

Examples by Level

우리는 어제 약혼했어요.

We got engaged yesterday.

The past tense of 약혼하다 is 약혼했다.

내 친구는 약혼해요.

My friend is getting engaged.

Present tense used for a near future event.

누가 약혼했어요?

Who got engaged?

Question form using the past tense.

지수 씨와 약혼하고 싶어요.

I want to get engaged to Jisu.

-고 싶다 expresses desire.

약혼 축하해요!

Congratulations on your engagement!

Common congratulatory phrase.

그들은 약혼하지 않았어요.

They did not get engaged.

-지 않다 is the negative form.

약혼 반지가 예뻐요.

The engagement ring is pretty.

약혼 modifies the noun 반지.

우리는 곧 약혼할 거예요.

We will get engaged soon.

-(으)ㄹ 거예요 expresses the future.

부모님께 약혼 소식을 전했어요.

I told my parents the news of the engagement.

소식 means news.

그녀는 약혼한 지 얼마 안 됐어요.

It hasn't been long since she got engaged.

-ㄴ 지 얼마 안 됐다 means 'it hasn't been long since...'

우리는 약혼하고 나서 바로 이사했어요.

We moved right after getting engaged.

-고 나서 means 'after doing...'

약혼하기 전에 반지를 샀어요.

I bought a ring before getting engaged.

-기 전에 means 'before doing...'

친구의 약혼식에 갈 거예요.

I'm going to my friend's engagement ceremony.

약혼식 is the ceremony for engagement.

약혼하니까 기분이 어때요?

How do you feel since you're getting engaged?

-(으)니까 expresses a reason or a discovery.

그들은 비밀리에 약혼했어요.

They got engaged secretly.

비밀리에 is an adverb meaning secretly.

약혼한 사람들은 행복해 보여요.

People who are engaged look happy.

-아/어 보이다 means 'to look like...'

그들은 양가 부모님의 허락을 받고 약혼했다.

They got engaged after receiving permission from both sets of parents.

양가 means 'both families'.

약혼했다고 해서 무조건 결혼하는 건 아니에요.

Just because you got engaged doesn't mean you necessarily get married.

-다고 해서 means 'just because...'

우리는 약혼한 사이지만 아직 같이 살지는 않아요.

We are engaged, but we don't live together yet.

-지만 means 'but'.

약혼을 발표하자마자 많은 축하를 받았어요.

As soon as we announced our engagement, we received many congratulations.

-자마자 means 'as soon as'.

그녀는 약혼자가 외국에 있어서 자주 못 봐요.

Her fiancé is abroad, so she can't see him often.

약혼자 means fiancé.

그들은 너무 어려서 약혼하기에는 이른 것 같아요.

They are so young that it seems too early to get engaged.

-기에는 means 'for doing...' or 'in order to...'

약혼식을 생략하고 바로 결혼하기로 했어요.

We decided to skip the engagement ceremony and get married right away.

생략하다 means to skip or omit.

약혼한 후에도 서로를 더 알아가는 시간이 필요해요.

Even after getting engaged, you need time to get to know each other more.

-ㄴ 후에 means 'after doing...'

그는 약혼녀에게 줄 다이아몬드 반지를 골랐다.

He chose a diamond ring to give to his fiancée.

약혼녀 refers specifically to a female fiancé.

두 기업 가문의 자녀들이 정략적으로 약혼하게 되었다.

The children of two business families ended up engaged for strategic reasons.

정략적으로 means 'strategically' or 'politically'.

약혼 기간이 길어지면서 갈등이 생기기도 한다.

As the engagement period lengthens, conflicts sometimes arise.

-면서 expresses simultaneous actions or states.

그들은 성격 차이를 극복하지 못하고 파혼했다.

They were unable to overcome their personality differences and broke the engagement.

파혼하다 is the antonym of 약혼하다.

법적으로 약혼은 혼인을 하겠다는 합의를 의미한다.

Legally, an engagement means an agreement to marry.

합의 means agreement.

그녀는 약혼 반지 대신 실용적인 시계를 원했다.

She wanted a practical watch instead of an engagement ring.

대신 means 'instead of'.

약혼 사실을 언론에 공개하지 않기로 합의했다.

They agreed not to disclose the fact of their engagement to the media.

공개하다 means to disclose or make public.

오랜 친구 사이였던 그들이 드디어 약혼했다.

They, who had been long-time friends, finally got engaged.

-던 is a retrospective modifier.

약혼은 단순한 약속을 넘어 법적 효력을 지니기도 한다.

Engagement goes beyond a simple promise and sometimes carries legal effect.

-를 넘어 means 'beyond...'.

전통 사회에서 약혼은 가문 간의 결합을 상징했다.

In traditional society, engagement symbolized the union between families.

결합 means union or combination.

부당한 이유로 약혼을 파기당한 경우 손해배상을 청구할 수 있다.

In cases where an engagement is broken for unjust reasons, one can claim damages.

손해배상 means compensation for damages.

그들은 서로의 가치관을 확인한 후 신중하게 약혼했다.

They got engaged cautiously after confirming each other's values.

신중하게 means cautiously or prudently.

약혼 예물을 주고받는 관습은 점차 사라지고 있다.

The custom of exchanging engagement gifts is gradually disappearing.

점차 means gradually.

그 소설은 약혼자의 배신으로 시작되는 복수극이다.

The novel is a revenge drama that begins with the betrayal of a fiancé.

배신 means betrayal.

약혼 상태에서 발생하는 갈등은 결혼 생활의 예고편일 수 있다.

Conflicts arising during the engagement state can be a preview of married life.

예고편 means trailer or preview.

현대인들에게 약혼은 구속보다는 약속의 의미가 강하다.

For modern people, engagement has a stronger meaning of promise rather than restraint.

구속 means restraint or binding.

약혼이라는 제도는 시대의 흐름에 따라 그 형태가 변모해 왔다.

The institution of engagement has seen its form transformed according to the passage of time.

변모하다 means to transform or change appearance.

정략적 약혼이 비일비재했던 과거에는 개인의 선택권이 제한적이었다.

In the past, when strategic engagements were commonplace, individual choice was limited.

비일비재하다 means to be very common or frequent.

민법 제800조에 따르면, 약혼은 성년에 달한 자가 자유로이 할 수 있다.

According to Article 800 of the Civil Code, an engagement can be freely entered into by a person of legal age.

성년 means legal age/adult.

약혼의 본질은 상호 간의 신뢰와 미래에 대한 헌신에 있다.

The essence of engagement lies in mutual trust and dedication to the future.

본질 means essence.

그들은 백년가약을 맺으며 영원한 사랑을 맹세하고 약혼했다.

They got engaged, vowing eternal love and making a lifelong promise.

맹세하다 means to vow or swear.

약혼 기간 중의 외도는 법적인 파혼 사유가 될 수 있다.

Infidelity during the engagement period can be a legal ground for breaking the engagement.

사유 means reason or cause.

사회의 변화에 따라 약혼식을 거행하는 비율이 현저히 낮아졌다.

The rate of holding engagement ceremonies has significantly decreased in accordance with social changes.

현저히 means significantly or markedly.

약혼은 두 영혼이 하나로 합쳐지기 위한 전정(前程)과도 같다.

Engagement is like a journey/pathway toward two souls becoming one.

전정 means a journey or prospect.

Common Collocations

비밀리에 약혼하다

정식으로 약혼하다

약혼을 발표하다

약혼을 파기하다

약혼 반지를 끼다

약혼 기념 여행

약혼식 날짜

약혼한 사이

일찍 약혼하다

부모님 몰래 약혼하다

Common Phrases

약혼한 지 얼마나 됐어요?

— How long has it been since you got engaged? Used to ask about the duration of the engagement.

약혼한 지 벌써 6개월이 지났네요.

언제 약혼할 거예요?

— When are you going to get engaged? A common question for dating couples.

부모님이 언제 약혼할 거냐고 물어보세요.

약혼 축하 선물

— Engagement celebration gift. Used when buying a present for a newly engaged couple.

친구에게 줄 약혼 축하 선물을 샀어요.

약혼식에 초대하다

— To invite someone to an engagement ceremony.

가까운 친척들만 약혼식에 초대했어요.

약혼자가 있어요

— I have a fiancé/fiancée. Used to state one's status.

죄송하지만 저는 이미 약혼자가 있어요.

약혼을 축하드립니다

— I congratulate you on your engagement. Formal way to congratulate someone.

두 분의 약혼을 진심으로 축하드립니다.

약혼을 서두르다

— To rush an engagement.

왜 그렇게 약혼을 서두르세요?

약혼 증표

— A token or proof of engagement (like a ring).

이 반지는 우리의 약혼 증표입니다.

약혼 단계

— The engagement stage. Referring to the phase in a relationship.

우리는 이제 막 약혼 단계에 들어섰어요.

약혼을 취소하다

— To cancel an engagement. Similar to 파혼하다 but sounds slightly less dramatic.

개인적인 사정으로 약혼을 취소했습니다.

Often Confused With

약혼하다 vs 결혼하다

This means to actually get married. 약혼하다 is only the promise.

약혼하다 vs 청혼하다

This means to propose. It is the act of asking, while 약혼하다 is the resulting agreement.

약혼하다 vs 정혼하다

This is specifically for arranged engagements, often from the past.

Idioms & Expressions

"백년가약을 맺다"

— To make a promise for a hundred years. A classic idiom for getting engaged or married.

두 사람은 드디어 백년가약을 맺었습니다.

Literary

"도장을 찍다"

— Literally 'to press a seal'. Often used idiomatically to mean finalizing an agreement like marriage or engagement.

드디어 결혼 서류에 도장을 찍기로 했어.

Informal

"코가 꿰이다"

— Literally 'to have one's nose pierced (like an ox)'. Idiomatically used when someone is 'caught' or 'stuck' in a commitment like engagement.

결국 그 여자한테 코가 꿰여서 약혼했대.

Slang/Humorous

"국수를 먹다"

— Literally 'to eat noodles'. Used to ask when someone is getting married (which starts with engagement).

언제 국수 먹여 줄 거야?

Colloquial

"임자가 있다"

— To have an owner. Idiomatically used to say someone is already engaged or taken.

그 사람은 이미 임자가 있는 몸이야.

Colloquial

"검은 머리 파뿌리 될 때까지"

— Until black hair turns into white onion roots. A vow made during engagement/marriage for lifelong loyalty.

검은 머리 파뿌리 될 때까지 사랑하겠다고 약속했어.

Traditional

"눈이 맞다"

— To fall for each other. Often the prerequisite for 약혼하다.

두 사람이 눈이 맞아서 금방 약혼했지.

Informal

"발목을 잡히다"

— To have one's ankle caught. Used jokingly when someone gets engaged and can no longer play around.

약혼하면서 제대로 발목 잡혔네.

Slang

"손에 물 안 묻히게 하다"

— To not let one's hands get wet. A promise made during engagement to provide a comfortable life.

내 약혼녀 손에 물 한 방울 안 묻히게 할 거야.

Cliche/Romantic

"짝을 찾다"

— To find one's mate. Used when someone finally finds the person they want to 약혼하다 with.

드디어 평생의 짝을 찾아서 약혼했어.

Neutral

Easily Confused

약혼하다 vs 약혼

Noun vs Verb

약혼 is the noun (engagement), 약혼하다 is the verb (to engage).

약혼을 했어요 vs 약혼했어요.

약혼하다 vs 약한

Phonetic similarity

약한 means 'weak'. 약혼한 means 'engaged'.

약한 사람 (weak person) vs 약혼한 사람 (engaged person).

약혼하다 vs 야구하다

First syllable similarity

야구하다 means 'to play baseball'.

우리는 야구해요 vs 우리는 약혼해요.

약혼하다 vs 예약하다

Both involve a 'promise/reservation'

예약하다 is for hotels or restaurants. 약혼하다 is for marriage.

식당을 예약해요 vs 지수와 약혼해요.

약혼하다 vs 약속하다

General vs Specific

약속하다 is any promise. 약혼하다 is specifically for marriage.

내일 만나기로 약속해요 vs 결혼하기로 약혼해요.

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Partner]와 약혼해요.

저는 민수와 약혼해요.

[Partner]와 약혼하고 싶어요.

그녀와 약혼하고 싶어요.

[Partner]와 약혼한 지 [Time] 됐어요.

그와 약혼한 지 1년 됐어요.

[Partner]와 약혼하기로 약속했어요.

여자친구와 약혼하기로 약속했어요.

[Reason] 때문에 약혼을 파기했어요.

성격 차이 때문에 약혼을 파기했어요.

[Partner]와 백년가약을 맺고 약혼했다.

그는 연인과 백년가약을 맺고 약혼했다.

약혼했다는 소식을 들었어요.

친구가 약혼했다는 소식을 들었어요.

약혼 반지를 샀어요.

백화점에서 약혼 반지를 샀어요.

Word Family

Nouns

약혼 (Engagement)

약혼자 (Fiancé/Fiancée)

약혼녀 (Fiancée - female)

약혼남 (Fiancé - male)

약혼식 (Engagement ceremony)

약혼반지 (Engagement ring)

Verbs

약혼하다 (To get engaged)

약혼시키다 (To make someone get engaged)

파혼하다 (To break an engagement)

Adjectives

약혼한 (Engaged - attributive)

약혼 중인 (Currently engaged)

결혼 (Marriage)

청혼 (Proposal)

상견례 (Formal family meeting)

연애 (Dating/Romance)

배우자 (Spouse)

How to Use It

frequency

High in media and formal social settings; medium in casual youth conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using the object particle: 그녀를 약혼했다. → 그녀와 약혼했다.
Engagement is a reciprocal action done 'with' someone, not an action performed 'on' an object.
Confusing '약혼' with '결혼'. → 약혼은 약속이고, 결혼은 실제입니다.
Engagement is the promise; marriage is the actual union. Using them interchangeably causes confusion.
Saying '약혼해요' for a proposal. → 프로포즈해요.
'약혼하다' is the state or formal agreement; '프로포즈' is the romantic act of asking.
Forgetting honorifics for elders: 할아버지가 약혼했다. → 할아버지가 약혼하셨다.
When speaking about elders, you must add the honorific infix '-시-'.
Confusing '약혼자' (person) with '약혼' (act). → 그는 나의 약혼자이다.
Don't say '그는 나의 약혼이다'. Use the '-자' suffix for the person.

Tips

Use -와/과

Always remember that '약혼하다' needs a partner. Use '민수와 약혼했다' or '지수랑 약혼했다'. Using the object particle -를/을 is a common mistake.

Family Approval

In Korea, '약혼하다' often implies that the parents have met and approved. If you say this to a Korean, they might ask about your '상견례' (family meeting).

Ring vs. Action

Don't confuse the ring (약혼 반지) with the act (약혼하다). You can have a ring without a formal '약혼', but usually they go together.

Listen for 'Pahon'

If you hear '파혼해!' (Break the engagement!) in a drama, it's the opposite of '약혼하다'. It's a key word for dramatic plot twists.

Formal Announcements

When you see a celebrity news headline with '약혼', it means an official statement has been made. It's more reliable than just 'dating' rumors.

Noun Form

You can use '약혼' as a noun. For example: '약혼 소식' (engagement news) or '약혼 기념' (engagement celebration).

Aspirate the K

Make sure to puff out a bit of air when saying the 'kh' in '약혼' (yak-hon). It distinguishes it from other similar sounds.

Time Matters

Koreans often use '약혼한 지 ~ 됐다' to say how long they've been engaged. Example: '약혼한 지 3년 됐어요' (We've been engaged for 3 years).

Daily Alternative

For a more natural daily feel, you can say '결혼하기로 했어요' (We decided to get married) instead of the formal '약혼했어요'.

Don't Confuse with Wedding

Never say '약혼했어요' if you are already wearing a wedding band and the ceremony is over. Use '결혼했어요' then.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Yak' (약) as a 'Yack' (talk) and 'Hon' (혼) as 'Home'. You 'Talk' about making a 'Home' together when you '약혼하다'.

Visual Association

Imagine two people holding a giant scroll (the promise) with a wedding ring drawn on it.

Word Web

약혼 (Center) 반지 (Ring) 약속 (Promise) 결혼 (Marriage) 파혼 (Breakup) 가족 (Family) 사랑 (Love) 식 (Ceremony)

Challenge

Try to use '약혼하다' in three different tenses (past, present, future) while describing a famous couple you know.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two Hanja (Chinese characters) roots. '약' (約) means to promise, bind, or contract. '혼' (婚) means marriage or wedding.

Original meaning: The original meaning is 'to contract a marriage.' It suggests a binding legal and social agreement rather than just a romantic sentiment.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived).

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking about engagement; in Korea, it's a very personal yet family-oriented topic. Don't assume everyone wants to get engaged.

In English, 'engaged' is used very broadly. In Korean, '약혼' is slightly more formal and less likely to be used for very short-term or casual promises.

The drama 'Boys Over Flowers' features a prominent forced engagement (약혼). K-pop news often uses '약혼' when idols announce marriage plans. The movie 'The Handmaiden' involves themes of arranged engagement.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Announcing to friends

우리 약혼했어!
축하해 줘!
반지 예쁘지?
날짜는 아직 안 정했어.

Formal family meeting

정식으로 약혼하겠습니다.
허락해 주셔서 감사합니다.
잘 살겠습니다.
부모님 덕분입니다.

Watching a K-Drama

둘이 약혼했대?
정략 약혼인가 봐.
파혼하면 어떡해?
약혼자가 너무 멋있다.

At a jewelry store

약혼 반지를 찾고 있어요.
사이즈가 어떻게 되나요?
이 디자인이 유행인가요?
추천해 주세요.

Legal/News report

약혼 사실을 부인했습니다.
공식적으로 약혼했습니다.
약혼 파기 소송입니다.
양측의 합의하에 약혼했습니다.

Conversation Starters

"친구의 약혼 소식을 들었을 때 뭐라고 인사해야 할까요?"

"한국에서는 약혼식을 보통 어떻게 하나요?"

"약혼 반지로 어떤 보석이 가장 인기 있나요?"

"약혼한 후에 결혼까지 보통 얼마나 걸리나요?"

"만약 약혼자가 바람을 피우면 어떻게 할 거예요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 꿈꾸는 약혼식은 어떤 모습인가요? 자세히 적어보세요.

한국의 약혼 문화와 우리 나라의 약혼 문화는 어떻게 다른가요?

사랑하는 사람과 약혼하고 싶은 가장 큰 이유는 무엇인가요?

드라마에서 본 가장 인상 깊은 약혼 장면은 무엇인가요?

약혼이라는 약속이 현대 사회에서 여전히 중요하다고 생각하나요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it doesn't. While it can involve a ceremony (약혼식), the verb itself just means the formal agreement to marry. Many people '약혼하다' privately or through a family meeting without a big party.

Linguistically, yes, the word is neutral. However, since same-sex marriage is not yet legally recognized in South Korea, the term might be used in a social or symbolic sense rather than a legal one.

'약혼자' is a gender-neutral term for fiancé/fiancée. '약혼녀' specifically refers to a female fiancée, and '약혼남' refers to a male fiancé.

It is less common as a spoken word among young people, who prefer '결혼하기로 했어' or '프로포즈 받았어.' However, they still understand it perfectly as it appears in all official contexts.

You can say '저 약혼했어요' (I got engaged) or '저는 약혼한 상태예요' (I am in an engaged state).

'파혼' (Pahon) is the noun for a broken engagement. The verb is '파혼하다.' It is considered a very serious event in Korean society.

No, that is grammatically incorrect. You must use '그녀와 약혼했다' because engagement is an action done 'with' someone, not 'to' someone.

It is not a legal requirement, but it is a very strong social custom. Most people who '약혼하다' will exchange rings (약혼 반지) or other gifts (예물).

It means a 'strategic engagement,' usually for business or political reasons, common in K-Drama plots.

Yes, as long as there is a formal agreement to marry, the physical distance does not change the meaning of the word.