約
約·promise, approximately
- On-yomi
- ヤク
- Kun-yomi
- none
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 約束 | やくそく | promise, appointment |
| 予約 | よやく | reservation, booking |
| 節約 | せつやく | saving, economizing |
| 約 | やく | approximately, about |
Example sentences
駅までは約十分です。
えきまではやくじゅっぷんです。
It's about ten minutes to the station.
友だちと会う約束があります。
ともだちとあうやくそくがあります。
I have plans to meet a friend.
レストランを予約しておきました。
れすとらんをよやくしておきました。
I've gone ahead and booked the restaurant.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- In front of a number 約 means 'about', not 'promise': 約百人
- 約束 is a promise between people; 予約 is a booking with a shop or service
Memory aid
Picture it
Thread (糸) pulled into a knot (勺) — a promise is a tied thread you can't slip out of.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 約 mean?