약속해요
yaksokhaeyo
The English phrase "I promise" is translated into Korean as 약속해요 (yaksokhaeyo).
This phrase is used to give a guarantee that one will definitely do or not do something. Depending on the context, it can also mean "I have an appointment" or "I have plans."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the noun 약속, which means a promise or an appointment and the verb 하다, meaning to do.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several levels of formality for this expression. For highly formal settings such as professional environments or public speeches, you should use 약속합니다 or 다짐합니다. In casual settings with friends or people younger than you, use the informal version 약속해 or the phrase 좋아, 약속해. The phrase 정말로 약속할게. can be used to say "I will promise for real."
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 약속해요 is formed by combining the noun 약속 (promise) with the verb 하다 (to do) in the polite present tense.
How do you pronounce it?
yaksokhaeyo
Did you know?
- While 'I promise' is a verbal statement in English, in Korean culture, a promise is often reinforced by a physical pinky swear gesture known as '손가락 약속'.
- In many romantic contexts, instead of just saying 'I promise', Koreans might use the word 맹세 (oath) to heighten the drama and intensity of the commitment.
- In Korean culture, breaking a 약속 is often viewed as a breach of trust and social harmony, making the phrase carry more emotional weight than a casual 'I'll be there' in English.
Examples in context
- 약속합니다. 내일 저녁 7시에 만나러 갈 거예요.I promise. I will meet you tomorrow evening at 7 o'clock.
- 팀장님, 꼭 약속 지킬게요.Team leader, I will definitely keep the promise.
- 좋아, 약속해. 꼭 가 줄 거야.Okay, I promise. I will definitely come.
- 내일 꼭 갈게요. 약속해요.naeil kkok galgeyo. yaksokhaeyo.I will definitely go tomorrow. I promise.
- 비밀은 꼭 지킬게요. 약속해요.bimil-eun kkok jikilgeyo. yaksokhaeyo.I will definitely keep the secret. I promise.
- 늦지 않겠다고 약속해요.neutji anketdago yaksokhaeyo.I promise that I won't be late.
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are discussing a planned movie outing.
- 수빈 Su-bin이번에는 늦지 말고 제때 오세요.ibeone-neun neutji malgo jettae oseyo.Please don't be late and come on time this time.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo걱정 마세요. 정말로 약속해요.geokjeong maseyo. jeongmallo yaksokhaeyo.Don't worry. I really promise.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 정말 믿어도 될까요?Hyeonu ssi, jeongmal mideodo doelkkayo?Hyunwoo, can I really trust you?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 제가 꼭 지킬게요.ne, jega kkok jikilgeyo.Yes, I will definitely keep it.
