婚約

• Reading: こんやく
• Romaji: konyaku
• Kanji breakdown: 婚 (kon) — marriage, wedding; 約 (yaku) — promise, agreement
• Pronunciation: /koɴ.ja.kɯ/

Meaning

Engagement; betrothal. A formal promise between two people to marry.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (婚約する, to get engaged). Used in formal and social contexts when discussing marriage plans. Common compounds: 婚約者 (fiancé/fiancée), 婚約指輪 (engagement ring), 婚約発表 (engagement announcement). More formal than 結婚の約束. The engagement period is a significant social milestone in Japan.

Examples

1. 二人は三年付き合って婚約した。 The two of them dated for three years and got engaged.
2. 婚約者に初めて会ったのは友人の紹介だった。 I first met my fiancé through a friend's introduction.
3. 来月、婚約指輪を買いに行く予定だ。 We're planning to go buy an engagement ring next month.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, family, social events

Tone: celebratory

Origin & History

Compound of 婚 (kon, marriage) and 約 (yaku, promise/agreement). Together, 'a promise of marriage' — a formal commitment to wed.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal