약속해 줘
yaksokhae jwo
In Korean, "promise me" is expressed as 약속해 줘 (yaksokhae jwo).
This phrase is used as a request for someone to make a commitment to do or not do something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the verb 약속하다 (to promise) and 줘, which is the imperative form of 주다 (to give). Literally, it means "promise (and) give (to me)", implying the act of promising is being done for the speaker's benefit.
Which one should you use?
While 약속해 functions as a direct command meaning "promise!", the phrase 약속해 줘 is a softer and more natural way to request a promise, as it frames the commitment as a favor being done for the speaker.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the request polite and suitable for use with people you are not close to or people older than you, you can say 약속해 주세요 (please promise me).
How do you pronounce it?
yaksokhae jwo
Did you know?
- The word 약속 (promise) is also the standard word for a 'planned appointment' or 'date'. If someone says they have a 약속, they aren't necessarily making a solemn vow, but simply have plans to meet a friend.
- When children make a promise using 약속해 줘, they often perform a 'pinky swear' by hooking their smallest fingers together, which is a deeply ingrained social gesture in Korea.
- To emphasize the seriousness of a promise, Koreans may use the phrase 맹세해, which means 'I swear'. While 약속해 줘 is a request for a commitment, 맹세 is reserved for oaths of the highest gravity.
Examples in context
- 오늘은 늦지 않을 거라고 약속해 줄래?Can you promise me that you won't be late today?
- 절대 비밀로 한다고 약속해 줘.jeoldae bimirlo handago yaksokhae jwo.Promise me you will keep it a secret.
Example conversation
Seoyeon is asking Dohyeon to be honest about a mistake.
- 서연 Seo-yeon나한테 거짓말 안 한다고 약속해 줘.nahante geojitmal an handago yaksokhae jwo.Promise me you won't lie to me.
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 정말 약속할게. 걱정 마.eung, jeongmal yaksokhalge. geokjeong ma.Yes, I really promise. Don't worry.
- 서연 Seo-yeon진심이지? 꼭 지켜야 해.jinsimiji? kkok jikyeoya hae.Are you serious? You must keep it.
- 도현 Do-hyeon당연하지. 서연아, 믿어줘.dang-yeonhaji. Seoyeon-a, mideojwo.Of course. Seoyeon, trust me.
