서약
seoyak[ˈsʰɘ(ː)ja̠k̚]
The English phrase 'vows' is translated into Korean as 서약 (seoyak).
서약 refers to formal, solemn promises or oaths. It is used in serious contexts such as legal, religious or official ceremonies where a person makes a binding commitment.
Which one should you use?
In Korean, there is a distinction between different types of promises.
How do you pronounce it?
seoyak
Did you know?
- In modern Korean weddings, the tradition of reciting individual 'vows' is a Western import. Traditionally, the commitment was represented by the groom offering a wild goose, which symbolizes lifelong fidelity.
- The character 約 in 서약 can also mean 'to abbreviate' in modern Korean. This linguistic duality means the same character represents both a 'binding promise' and the act of 'shortening' something.
- While 서약 is the formal term for vows, Koreans often use the word 약속 for everyday promises. Using 서약 in a casual setting would sound like you are signing a legal contract or joining a secret society.
Examples in context
- 내 사랑, 나는 너를 평생 동안 사랑할 거야.My love, I will love you for a lifetime.
- 두 사람은 성스러운 서약을 했습니다.du saram-eun seongseureoun seoyak-eul haess-seumnida.The two people made solemn vows.
- 그는 신 앞에서 서약을 했습니다.geu-neun sin ap-eseo seoyak-eul haess-seumnida.He made vows before God.
- 결혼 서약은 매우 중요합니다.gyeolhon seoyak-eun mae-u jung-yo-hamnida.Wedding vows are very important.
Example conversation
A wedding preparation room where the couple is nervous.
- 서연 Seo-yeon서약 준비는 다 끝났어?seoyak junbi-neun da kkeut-nasseo?Is the preparation for the vows all finished?
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 서약서 다 작성했어.eung, seoyakseo da jakseong-haesseo.Yes, I finished writing the vow document.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨, 너무 긴장하지 마.Dohyeon ssi, neomu ginjang-haji ma.Dohyeon, don't be too nervous.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서약할 생각을 하니 떨려.seoyak-hal saeng-gak-eul hani tteollyeo.I'm nervous thinking about making the vows.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 서약, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
