약속
yak-ssok
/jak̚.s͈ok̚/
Definition
A promise or scheduled appointment made between people.
Example
내일 친구와 점심 약속이 있어요.
Show translation
I have a lunch appointment with a friend tomorrow.
Etymology
Sino-Korean: 約束 (약속). 約 (약) means "to bind/restrict" and 束 (속) means "to bundle/tie together," giving a combined sense of two parties being bound together by an agreement.
Cultural note
In Korean culture, keeping 약속 is taken very seriously — breaking one without a good reason can damage trust and relationships significantly. The word covers both casual plans ("let's meet at 3") and solemn promises, so context determines the weight.