约定

• Pinyin: yuē dìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 约 = 纟(silk) + 勺, meaning to agree; 定 = 宀 (roof) + 正, meaning to settle

Meaning

To agree upon; agreement; appointment. An arrangement or promise made between parties.

Used for formal and informal agreements. Common phrases: 约定时间 (agreed time), 约定地点 (agreed location), 口头约定 (verbal agreement), 违反约定 (break an agreement), 如约定 (as agreed). More formal than just 约.

Examples

1. 我们约定好了周末一起去爬山。 We agreed to go hiking together this weekend.
2. 合同里明确约定了双方的权利和义务。 The contract clearly specifies the rights and obligations of both parties.
3. 这是我们之间的约定，我一定会遵守。 This is our agreement, and I will definitely keep it.

Usage Guide

Context: agreements, plans, contracts

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 我们约定在咖啡厅见面。(We agreed to meet at the café.)
• 这是我们的约定。(This is our agreement.)

Don't Say

• 我约定一个人 — 约定用于事情或条款，不能直接接人，说'我和他约定好了'

Origin & History

Compound of 约 (to agree, appointment) + 定 (to fix, settle). Together meaning to agree upon and settle something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal