約束（やくそく、yakusoく）
- promise

The Japanese word 約束 (やくそく) primarily means "promise," "agreement," or "appointment." It refers to a commitment to do something in the future, a mutual understanding between people, or a scheduled meeting. 約束 can encompass both spoken and written agreements. It suggests a certain level of obligation or expectation that something will happen as planned. The core concept is a binding commitment or an agreed-upon plan.

⚫︎友達と映画を観る約束をしました。 Translation: I made a promise with my friend to watch a movie. ⚫︎彼は会議に遅れないと約束しました。 Translation: He promised not to be late for the meeting. ⚫︎明日の午前中に会う約束があります。 Translation: I have an appointment to meet tomorrow morning.

⚫︎ You can use 約束 when making a commitment to someone, such as promising to meet up, help with a task, or keep a secret. ⚫︎ It is also used when referring to a scheduled event, like a doctor's appointment or a business meeting. ⚫︎ The word is versatile, suitable for both formal and informal situations. ⚫︎ When expressing an appointment or a meeting, the particle を is often used after the place: 公園で約束をします (I will meet at the park). ⚫︎ When expressing a promise, the verb する (to do) or other verbs related to promise, such as 交わす (to exchange) or 守る (to keep), are often used with 約束.

⚫︎ The word is typically written in kanji as 約束. ⚫︎ The reading is やくそく (yakusoku). ⚫︎ While the kanji form is standard, you might see the word written in hiragana as やくそく, especially for younger learners or when the writer wants to emphasize the pronunciation. ⚫︎ The okurigana (送りがな) is consistent; no variations exist.

⚫︎ 誓い (ちかい): vow, pledge ⚫︎ 契約 (けいやく): contract, agreement ⚫︎ 申し合わせ (もうしあわせ): arrangement, understanding ⚫︎ 約束事 (やくそくごと): something promised, an agreement

⚫︎ There isn't a direct single antonym. However, words or phrases that imply breaking a 約束 or not keeping an agreement could be considered opposite in meaning: ⚫︎ 破る (やぶる): to break (a promise) ⚫︎ 嘘をつく (うそをつく): to lie ⚫︎ 反故にする (ほごにする): to void, to cancel

来週、また会う約束をしました。 ・Translation: We made a promise to meet again next week. ・Explanation: This sentence shows a mutual agreement to meet at a future time, emphasizing the commitment.

彼は約束を絶対に守ります。 ・Translation: He always keeps his promise. ・Explanation: This sentence underscores the reliability and trustworthiness of the person in keeping their 約束.

The word 約束 is a compound word. The kanji 約 (yaku) means "promise," "agreement," or "approximately." The kanji 束 (soku) means "bundle," "to bind," or "to tie." Therefore, 約束 literally means "to bind or tie an agreement," reflecting the concept of a commitment that holds people together by an agreed-upon plan.