Korean Dictionary
How to say "Promise" in Korean
“Promise” in Korean is 약속 (pronounced "yaksok").
약속
yaksok
Usage & Context
A commitment to do something or be faithful to someone. Promises are sacred in Korean relationships and culture.
Example Sentence
나는 너에게 약속해.
I promise you.
How to use 약속 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Promise” is 약속, romanized as yaksok.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 약속.
Pronunciation Guide
약 (yak) sounds like 'yak' in the animal 'yak'. 속 (sok) is like 'sock' in 'sock puppet'. The two syllables are pronounced clearly and evenly.
More Example Sentences
Confirming a prior arrangement with a friend.
우리 다음 주에 만나기로 약속했지?
We promised to meet next week, right?
Giving advice or emphasizing the importance of promises.
약속은 꼭 지켜야 해.
You must keep your promises.
Apologizing for being late to a meeting.
늦어서 미안해, 약속 시간을 착각했어.
Sorry I'm late, I confused the appointment time.
Cultural Context
약속 (yaksok) holds significant weight in Korean culture, reflecting a strong emphasis on reliability and trust. Breaking a promise (약속을 어기다) can severely damage one's reputation and relationships. This applies not only to personal commitments but also to appointments and deadlines. In K-dramas, characters often go to great lengths to fulfill a promise, even if it means personal sacrifice, underscoring its cultural importance.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 약속 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
약속을 지키다
to keep a promise
약속을 하다
to make a promise
약속 시간
appointment time
Related Expressions
맹세
maengse
oath, solemn promise (stronger than 약속)
계약
gyeyak
contract, agreement (more formal/legal)
지키다
jikida
to keep, to protect (often used with 약속: 약속을 지키다)
어기다
eogida
to break, to violate (antonym, often used with 약속: 약속을 어기다)
More Relationships Words
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