약속 vs 약정
Korean word comparison
Listen to 약속
Listen to 약정
| 약속 | 약정 |
|---|---|
/yak-SOK/ noun | /yak-jeong/ noun |
| a promise or an appointment/arrangement between people | an agreement or stipulated term (often written and legally binding) |
How they differ
약정 denotes a formal agreement or stipulated term, frequently written and legally enforceable (contracts, terms of service), whereas 약속 can be informal and verbal. 약정 emphasizes the legal/contractual obligations and specific conditions.
When to use each
When to use 약속: Prefer 약속 for informal, personal promises or simple plans that don’t involve legal or contractual terms.
When to use 약정: Use 약정 when referring to contractual agreements, legally binding terms, or formally agreed conditions between parties.
Side-by-side examples
- 그와 다음 주에 만나기로 약속했어.
(I promised to meet him next week.) - 임대료 지급일은 계약서에 약정되어 있다.
(The rent payment date is stipulated in the contract.)
Register & nuance: 약정 is more formal and legalistic, commonly used in contracts, business, and official documents rather than casual conversation.