약속
yak-sok
Definition
A promise or an appointment made with someone to meet or do something at a specific time.
Example
내일 친구와 약속이 있어요.
Show translation
I have plans with a friend tomorrow.
Etymology
From Sino-Korean 約束 (약속): 約 (약, *yak*) meaning "to bind/agree" and 束 (속, *sok*) meaning "to bundle/tie." Together, the characters convey the idea of tying two parties together through a mutual commitment.
Cultural note
In Korean culture, keeping 약속 is taken very seriously — cancelling plans last-minute, especially with elders or superiors, is considered quite rude. The word covers both casual plans ("Let's meet at 3!") and solemn promises ("I promise I'll be there"), so context determines the weight. A common phrase is 약속을 지키다 (to keep a promise) and its opposite 약속을 어기다 (to break a promise).