약속 vs 약정
Korean word comparison
Listen to 약속
Listen to 약정
| 약속 | 약정 |
|---|---|
yak-SOK noun | yak-jeong noun |
| a promise, agreement, or arranged meeting/appointment | a formal agreement or stipulation, often written and legally binding |
How they differ
약정 refers to a formal, often written or legally enforceable agreement or stipulation (commonly used in contracts), whereas 약속 is broader and includes casual verbal promises or arranged meetings. 약정 implies more formality, specificity, and enforceability than 약속.
When to use each
When to use 약속: Use 약속 for everyday promises, social appointments, or informal agreements.
When to use 약정: Use 약정 when referring to contractual terms, formal stipulations, or legally binding agreements.
Side-by-side examples
- 내일 3시에 친구랑 약속이 있어요.
(I have a plan/appointment with a friend at 3 tomorrow.) - 양측은 계약서에 임대 조건을 약정했다.
(The parties stipulated the rental terms in the contract.)
Register & nuance: 약정 is formal and used in legal, business, or official written contexts, while 약속 is neutral and common in spoken language.