約束をする
make a promise
Wörtlich: 約束 (promise/appointment) + を (object marker) + する (to do)
Use it for any firm commitment, from casual coffee dates to serious life-long vows.
In 15 Sekunden
- Means both 'to make a promise' and 'to make an appointment'.
- Combine the noun 'yakusoku' with the verb 'suru'.
- Very high social stakes; breaking one is a major faux pas.
Bedeutung
This phrase is used to make a commitment or set an appointment with someone. It covers everything from a serious life-long vow to a simple plan to meet a friend for coffee.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Planning a weekend hangout with a friend
週末に映画に行く約束をした。
I made a promise to go to the movies this weekend.
A mother talking to her child about chores
宿題をすると約束してください。
Please promise me that you will do your homework.
In a professional business setting
次回の会議の約束をしましょう。
Let's make an appointment for the next meeting.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The Japanese 'pinky swear' (yubikiri) originates from the Edo period and is taken quite seriously by children. The concept of 'yakusoku' also blends the English ideas of 'promise' and 'appointment,' reflecting a culture where social engagements are seen as binding commitments.
The 'O' is Optional
In daily conversation, Japanese speakers almost always drop the `を`. Just say `約束する` to sound like a local!
Don't say it if you don't mean it
In Japan, a promise is seen as a firm contract. If you say you'll do something, people will expect it 100%.
In 15 Sekunden
- Means both 'to make a promise' and 'to make an appointment'.
- Combine the noun 'yakusoku' with the verb 'suru'.
- Very high social stakes; breaking one is a major faux pas.
What It Means
約束をする is your go-to phrase for making commitments. It literally means 'to do a promise.' In English, we usually say 'make a promise.' In Japanese, you 'do' it. This phrase is a powerhouse. It covers serious vows. It also covers simple lunch dates. It is a foundational building block of Japanese social life. You will hear it in anime, business meetings, and playgrounds. It is versatile and essential.
How To Use It
You take the noun 約束. You add the particle を. Then you finish with the verb する. For friends, you can drop the を and just say 約束する. It sounds more natural and snappy. For your boss, use 約束をします. If you want to be extra polite, use お約束します. It is like building a LEGO set. Just snap the pieces together. You can also add what the promise is about before the phrase. For example, 会う約束 means a 'promise to meet.'
When To Use It
Use it when timing matters. Use it when trust is on the line. Are you meeting a friend for coffee? That is a 約束. Are you telling your partner you will be home early? That is also a 約束. It is perfect for setting expectations. It shows you are reliable. Use it when you want to sound sincere. It carries a sense of 'I mean it.' It is also the standard word for 'appointment' in a social context.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for 'maybe' plans. If you are not sure, avoid this phrase. Japanese culture values keeping your word. Using 約束 implies a 100% commitment. If you break it, people might get genuinely upset. Also, do not use it for restaurant or hotel reservations. For those, use the word 予約 (yoyaku). It sounds similar, but they are different. Do not mix them up at a fancy bistro or you might get a confused look!
Cultural Background
Promises are heavy in Japan. Have you heard of 指切り (yubikiri)? This is the Japanese pinky swear. Children sing a slightly scary song while doing it. It mentions swallowing a thousand needles if you lie. Talk about high stakes! This shows how much Japan values honesty. A promise is not just words. It is a social contract. Breaking a 約束 can damage a relationship more than you might expect. Punctuality is considered part of the promise too.
Common Variations
You can 'keep' a promise with 約束を守る. This makes you a hero in social circles. If you 'break' it, use 約束を破る. Try to avoid that one if you want to keep your friends! You can also 'cancel' a promise with 約束を取り消す. If you are running late, you are 約束に遅れる. These variations help you navigate daily life. They are very handy to know for any situation.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is neutral but can be made casual by dropping the particle 'o' or formal by using 'shimasu'. Be careful not to confuse it with 'yoyaku' (reservations).
The 'O' is Optional
In daily conversation, Japanese speakers almost always drop the `を`. Just say `約束する` to sound like a local!
Don't say it if you don't mean it
In Japan, a promise is seen as a firm contract. If you say you'll do something, people will expect it 100%.
The Pinky Swear Song
The song for 'yubikiri' says if you lie, you have to swallow 1,000 needles (`針千本飲ます`). It's a bit dark, but it shows the weight of a promise!
Beispiele
6週末に映画に行く約束をした。
I made a promise to go to the movies this weekend.
Using the past tense 'shita' to confirm the plan is set.
宿題をすると約束してください。
Please promise me that you will do your homework.
Using 'kudasai' makes it a polite request for a commitment.
次回の会議の約束をしましょう。
Let's make an appointment for the next meeting.
Here, 'yakusoku' functions as 'appointment'.
絶対に行くよ！約束する。
I'll definitely go! I promise.
Dropping the 'o' particle makes it sound punchy and natural for text.
アイスを買う約束をしたのに、忘れたの？
You promised to buy ice cream, but you forgot?
Using 'noni' (despite) adds a playful, accusatory tone.
ずっと一緒にいると約束したじゃないか。
Didn't we promise to be together forever?
The 'janai ka' ending adds emotional weight and emphasis.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct particle and verb to say 'I made a promise.'
友達と___ ___。
The standard collocation is 'yakusoku o suru'. In past tense, it becomes 'shimasu' -> 'shimashita'.
How would you casually tell a friend 'I promise'?
明日、忘れないよ。___。
'Yakusoku suru' is the casual version. 'Yoyaku' means reservation (like for a hotel), which is incorrect here.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Levels of Making a Promise
Used with friends and family. No 'o' particle.
約束する (Yakusoku suru)
Standard polite form for most situations.
約束をします (Yakusoku o shimasu)
Used in business or with superiors.
お約束いたします (O-yakusoku itashimasu)
When to use Yakusoku o Suru
Coffee with a friend
Let's meet at 2 PM.
Business Deadline
I'll finish it by Friday.
Lending Money
I'll pay you back tomorrow.
Childhood Secret
Don't tell anyone!
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 Fragen約束 (yakusoku) is for people and social commitments. 予約 (yoyaku) is for things like hotel rooms, restaurants, or tickets.
Actually, for a doctor or a professional service, 予約 (yoyaku) is more common. Use 約束 for meeting a person socially.
You use the verb 破る (yaburu), which means to tear or break. So, 約束を破りました.
Yes! It's very common to say デートの約束をする (make a promise/appointment for a date).
Not always. It often just means 'plans' or 'an appointment.' If someone asks if you have 約束, they are asking if you are busy.
You can say 約束を守って！ (Yakusoku o mamotte!). It sounds firm but natural.
Yes, it's perfectly fine. In business emails, use the polite 約束をいたします or お約束します.
In formal writing, yes. In casual speech, it is almost always dropped to just 約束する.
It literally means 'finger cut.' It refers to the pinky swear where you hook fingers with someone.
For something that formal, people often use 誓い (chikai - vow), but 約束 is still used in romantic contexts.
You can say 約束があります (Yakusoku ga arimasu). It's a polite way to turn down an invitation.
In Japan, it is considered quite rude unless you have a very good reason and apologize profusely.
Verwandte Redewendungen
約束を守る
to keep a promise
約束を破る
to break a promise
予約
reservation/booking
指切り
pinky swear
誓う
to swear/vow
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