Translation and Meaning of: 約束 - yakusoku

The word 「約束」 (yakusoku) is a Japanese term widely used to express the idea of a promise or commitment. The etymology of 「約束」 is interesting and reflects the intrinsic structure of the Japanese language. The first character, 「約」 (yaku), carries the meaning of "approximately" or "to count," and is also related to "contract" or "pact." The second character, 「束」 (soku), means "package" or "burden," but can also imply "to bind" or "to unite." Together, they form an expression that symbolizes the union of intentions and the assurance that a promise will be fulfilled.

The origin of the word 「約束」 traces back to the use of kanji that came from ancient China. The Japanese have a long history of integrating Chinese characters into their language while adapting their meanings and pronunciations. In feudal Japan, promises carried significant weight, especially in the context of strategic alliances and trade agreements. Thus, the formation of this word gained relevance by incorporating concepts of trust and commitment.

In contemporary society, "約束" maintains its vital role, not only in formal contexts like business contracts but also in everyday situations such as personal commitments and social planning. A promise made to a friend about a simple meeting for coffee, for example, is a common use of this term. This idea of commitment involves important cultural aspects in Japan, such as honor and integrity, elements that still define many social interactions in the country.

In addition to being used as a noun, 「約束」 can be found in verbal variations, such as the verb 「約束する」 (yakusoku suru), which means "to promise." This versatility demonstrates the importance of the concept in daily interactions. The term is also frequently used in literature, cinema, and music, highlighting the emotional and cultural depth that the idea of a promise carries in the Japanese context.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 約定 (Yakujō) - Formal agreement, mutual understanding.
• 約束事 (Yakusoku-goto) - Commitment or duty to be fulfilled, usually refers to promises.
• 約束する (Yakusoku suru) - Make a promise or commitment.
• 約束を守る (Yakusoku o mamoru) - Keep a promise.
• 約束を果たす (Yakusoku o hatasu) - Fulfill or complete a promise.
• 約束を破る (Yakusoku o yaburu) - Breaking or not fulfilling a promise.

約束

Romaji: yakusoku
Kana: やくそく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: arrangement; promise

Meaning in English: arrangement;promise

Definition: Make sure to do what you both agreed on.

Example Sentences - (約束) yakusoku

See below some example sentences:

私たちは約束を交わしました。

Watashitachi wa yakusoku o kawashimashita

We exchange promises.

We made a promise.

• 私たちは - We
• 約束 - Promise
• を - Direct object particle
• 交わしました - We did

彼は約束を果たした。

Kare wa yakusoku o hatashita

He fulfilled his promise.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "he".
• 約束 - Japanese noun that means "promise".
• を - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "promise".
• 果たした - Japanese verb that means "to fulfill".

彼は約束を破った。

Kare wa yakusoku wo yabutta

He broke the promise.

He broke his promise.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
• 約束 - Japanese noun that means "promise"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "promise".
• 破った - The Japanese verb in the past that means "broke" or "violated" is "壊れた" (kowareta).

彼は約束を背いた。

Kare wa yakusoku o somuita

He broke the promise.

He promised.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 約束 - Japanese noun that means "promise"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 背いた - Japanese verb meaning "to break" or "to violate", conjugated in the past tense

「彼女との約束は無しです。」

Kanojo to no yakusoku wa nashi desu

There is no promise to her.

• 彼女との約束 - means "commitment to girlfriend"
• は - Topic particle
• 無し - means "there is no"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form