약속 (yak-sok, yaksok)
약속 (yaksok) is a key Korean word meaning a promise or agreement between people.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
약속 refers to an agreement or commitment between two or more people to do or meet in the future.
Nuances
When to use
meeting friends, business meeting, date, family event
In context
약속 is a noun commonly combined with the verb 하다 to form 약속하다, meaning 'to make a promise.' It is used in both casual and formal contexts.
내일 3시에 만나기로 약속했어요.
nae-il 3si-e man-na-gi-ro yak-sok-haess-eo-yo., nae il 3si e man na gi ro yak sok haess eo yo.
‘약속하다’ naturally expresses a future plan with ‘만나기로.’
그는 나에게 약속을 지켰다.
geu-neun na-e-ge yak-sok-eul ji-kyeoss-da., geu neun na e ge yak sok eul ji kyeoss da.
‘약속을 지키다’ correctly means to fulfill a promise.
약속을 어기면 안 돼요.
yak-sok-eul eo-gi-myeon an dwae-yo., yak sok eul eo gi myeon an dwae yo.
‘약속을 어기다’ means breaking a promise correctly.
나는 약속을 만들었어요.
na-neun yak-sok-eul man-deul-eoss-eo-yo., na neun yak sok eul man deul eoss eo yo.
‘약속을 만들다’ is unnatural; use ‘약속하다’ instead.
우리는 약속할 거예요.
u-ri-neun yak-sok-hal geo-ye-yo., u ri neun yak sok hal geo ye yo.
‘약속하다’ usually requires specifics; standalone future tense is awkward.
약속 시간에 늦지 마세요.
yak-sok si-gan-e neuj-ji ma-se-yo., yak sok si gan e neuj ji ma se yo.
‘약속 시간’ naturally means the agreed meeting time.
What does ‘약속하다’ mean?
What does ‘약속을 어기다’ mean?
Which sentence is correct?
