Quick answer
約 is the kanji for "Promise". A common reading is つづ.まる (tsuzumaru). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Promise
Also : Shrink · Approximately
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 約 represents 'PROMISE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of promise.
On-reading: やく — remember this sound by associating it with promise. Kun-reading: つづ.まる.
Example Sentences
約束を守ることが大切です。
やくそくをまもることがたいせつです。
It's important to keep promises.
予約をキャンセルしました。
よやくをきゃんせるしました。
I cancelled my reservation.
Vocabulary using 約
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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