約束

• Reading: やくそく
• Romaji: yakusoku
• Kanji breakdown: 約 (yaku) — promise, approximately; 束 (soku) — bundle, to tie
• Pronunciation: /ja.kɯ.so.kɯ/

Meaning

Promise; agreement; arrangement. A commitment made between people.

Used both as a noun and as a suru-verb (約束する). Covers everything from casual plans with friends to formal contractual agreements. Breaking a promise (約束を破る) is considered a serious social transgression in Japanese culture.

Examples

1. 友達と明日会う約束をしました。 I made plans to meet my friend tomorrow.
2. 約束の時間に遅れないでください。 Please don't be late for the arranged time.
3. 母との約束を守ります。 I'll keep my promise to my mother.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, relationships, work

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Chinese roots, combining 約 (to bind, to promise) and 束 (to bundle, to tie). The imagery evokes binding oneself to a commitment.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal