What it means
약속 covers both keeping a promise and having a scheduled appointment or plans. One word for two English concepts. Very versatile and culturally important.
Nuance & when to use
약속이 있어요 = I have plans/an appointment. 약속을 지키다 = to keep a promise. 약속을 어기다 = to break a promise. In Korean culture, 약속 carries moral weight — breaking one is taken seriously.
⚠ Common mistake
약속 is both "promise" and "plans." Context matters: 오늘 약속이 있어요 = I have plans today (not necessarily a moral promise).
Example sentences
See also
FAQ
When is this used?
약속이 있어요 = I have plans/an appointment. 약속을 지키다 = to keep a promise. 약속을 어기다 = to break a promise. In Korean culture, 약속 carries moral weight — breaking one is taken seriously.
What's a common mistake?
약속 is both "promise" and "plans." Context matters: 오늘 약속이 있어요 = I have plans today (not necessarily a moral promise).
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