약속 vs 서약
Korean word comparison
Listen to 약속
Listen to 서약
| 약속 | 서약 |
|---|---|
yak-SOK noun | seo-yak noun |
| a promise, agreement, or arranged meeting/appointment | an oath or solemn pledge, often public or ceremonial |
How they differ
서약 denotes a solemn, formal oath (often in ceremonies or official contexts) and carries a stronger sense of seriousness and formality than 약속, which can be casual. 서약 implies a deliberate, often public commitment with moral or institutional weight.
When to use each
When to use 약속: Choose 약속 for ordinary promises, casual commitments, or arranging meetings.
When to use 서약: Choose 서약 when referring to solemn oaths, ceremonial pledges, or sworn commitments (e.g., taking an oath of office).
Side-by-side examples
- 비밀을 누설하지 않겠다고 약속했어.
(I promised I wouldn't reveal the secret.) - 신입 사원들은 윤리 규범을 지키겠다는 서약을 했다.
(The new employees made a pledge to uphold the code of ethics.)
Register & nuance: 서약 is formal and ceremonial, often used in official, religious, or solemn contexts; it is less common in casual speech than 약속.