약속 vs 예약
Korean word comparison
Listen to 약속
Listen to 예약
| 약속 | 예약 |
|---|---|
/yak-SOK/ noun | /ye-yak/ noun |
| a promise or an appointment/arrangement between people | a reservation or booking (for a service, seat, time slot) |
How they differ
예약 specifically refers to booking or reserving a service, seat, or time slot (e.g., a table, ticket, or doctor’s appointment) and often involves a business or system; 약속 is broader and emphasizes a mutual agreement or promise between people. 예약 is transactional and logistics-focused, while 약속 can be personal and relational.
When to use each
When to use 약속: Prefer 약속 when referring to personal promises or plans made between people (meeting friends, agreeing to help someone).
When to use 예약: Use 예약 when you are booking or reserving something with a business or service (restaurant reservation, flight booking, doctor’s appointment).
Side-by-side examples
- 내일 친구랑 3시에 약속이 있어.
(I have an appointment/plan with a friend at 3 tomorrow.) - 저녁 식당을 7시로 예약했어.
(I made a reservation at the restaurant for 7.)
Register & nuance: 예약 is neutral and commonly used in formal and informal contexts related to bookings; it feels more institutional than 약속.