Meaning and Usage
The verb '약속하다' means 'to make a promise' or 'to agree on something.' It is commonly used in everyday conversation when people agree to meet, keep a secret, or commit to an action.
Common Contexts
- Making plans with friends or colleagues (e.g., meeting times)
- Promising to keep a secret or fulfill a duty
- Asking someone to commit to a behavior or rule
Collocations and Patterns
- 약속을 지키다: to keep a promise
- 약속을 어기다: to break a promise
- ~기로 약속하다: to promise to do something (grammar pattern)
Register and Politeness
'약속하다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Adding polite endings like '-요' or '-습니다' adjusts the politeness level.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '약속하다' with '약속되다' (to be promised or scheduled). Remember, '약속하다' is active (someone makes a promise), while '약속되다' is passive or refers to something being arranged.