약속 vs 맹세
Korean word comparison
Listen to 약속
Listen to 맹세
| 약속 | 맹세 |
|---|---|
yak-SOK noun | maeng-se noun |
| a promise, agreement, or arranged meeting/appointment | a vow or solemn swear, usually intense and emotionally charged |
How they differ
맹세 is an emphatic vow or sworn promise, typically stronger and more emotionally intense than a typical 약속; 약속 can be casual, whereas 맹세 implies firm determination or dramatic commitment.
When to use each
When to use 약속: Use 약속 for routine commitments, plans, or simple promises between people.
When to use 맹세: Use 맹세 for passionate vows, such as marriage vows, pledges of loyalty, or promises given with strong emotional emphasis.
Side-by-side examples
- 그는 절대 늦지 않겠다고 약속했다.
(He promised he would never be late.) - 그는 그녀를 평생 사랑하겠다고 맹세했다.
(He vowed to love her for the rest of his life.)
Register & nuance: 맹세 is more literary or dramatic and is used when emphasizing intensity or solemnity; it is less common for everyday situations than 약속.