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JLPT N29画 · 9 strokesradical 糸grade 4freq #500

promise, approximately, shrink

On'yomi (音読み)

  • ヤク
  • エキ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • つづまる
  • つづける

Mnemonic

As the bowstring shrinks, it tightly promises to deliver, pulling the thread of commitment closer together in a binding agreement.

About this kanji

The kanji 約 (やく) generally means 'promise' or 'approximately', and it can also imply 'to shrink' in some contexts. It is primarily used as a noun or in compound words. Some common compounds include 約束 (やくそく), which means 'promise'; 約半分 (やくはんぶん), meaning 'about half'; and 約30分 (やくさんじゅっぷん), translating to 'about 30 minutes'. Another important compound is 契約 (けいやく), which means 'contract'. When using 約, it's often found in everyday situations, such as discussing time or making plans, helping you express estimates or agreements in conversation.

Built from

Example sentences

  • 彼は約束を守る人だ。

    He is a person who keeps promises.

Meanings across languages

English
promise, approximately, shrink
Tiếng Việt
hứa hẹn, khoảng, co lại
日本語
約束, 約, おおよそ
한국어
약속
中文
约定
id
janji
th
สัญญา
es
promesa
fr
promesse
de
Versprechen
pt
promessa

Common compounds

  • 約束やくそくpromise, appointment
  • 約半分やくはんぶんabout half
  • 約30分やくさんじゅっぷんabout 30 minutes
  • 契約けいやくcontract, agreement

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