公約する

• Reading: こうやくする
• Romaji: kouyaku suru
• Kanji breakdown: 公 (kō) — public, official; 約 (yaku) — promise, contract
• Pronunciation: /koː.ja.kɯ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To pledge; to make a public promise or commitment, especially in politics.

A する verb meaning to make a formal public promise. Most commonly used in political contexts for campaign pledges and election promises. Also used more broadly for any public commitment by an organisation or leader. Common phrases: 選挙公約 (election pledge), 公約を守る (to keep a pledge), 公約を破る (to break a pledge).

Examples

1. 候補者は減税を公約して多くの支持を得た。 The candidate pledged tax cuts and gained a lot of support.
2. 市長は公約を守って新しい公園を建設した。 The mayor kept their campaign pledge and built a new park.
3. 公約したことを実行するのは簡単ではない。 Following through on what you've pledged is not easy.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, elections, governance

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 公 (public, official) + 約 (promise, contract). Together they describe a promise made publicly, binding the speaker to their word before the public.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal