Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Promise" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "promise", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
約束
やくそく (yakusoku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
約束する
やくそくする (yakusoku suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "promise" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 約束 and 約束する.
In Japanese, 約束 (やくそく (yakusoku)) is typically associated with "promise, appointment, agreement" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for making promises or setting an appointment with someone. Often used with ~する.
On the other hand, 約束する (やくそくする (yakusoku suru)) maps to "to promise, to make an appointment" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for both making a promise. A literal translation of "promise" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "約束"
友達と映画を観る約束をしました。
I made an appointment with my friend to see a movie.
Bilingual Context for "約束する"
友達と週末に会う約束をしました。
I made a promise to meet my friend on the weekend.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達と映画を観る ＿＿＿ をしました。" (Meaning: "I made an appointment with my friend to see a movie.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "約束" fits here because it means "promise, appointment, agreement" in the context of: "I made an appointment with my friend to see a movie.". "約束する" represents "to promise, to make an appointment".