Onyomi: ヤク · Kunyomi: つづ.まる, つづ.める, つづま.やか · Meanings: approximately, promise, shrink
Kanji for approximately, promise, shrink
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約 is formed from 糸, meaning “thread,” on the left, and 勺 on the right. The thread represents connection or binding, while 勺 carries the sense of measurement or control. Together, they express the idea of binding something together under an agreement or limit. From this, 約 came to mean promise, agreement, or a compact, as well as approximately or roughly in quantity.
約 shows binding or connecting under agreement, meaning promise or agreement.
約 is used when two parties are connected by an agreement or promise. It can also indicate an approximate amount, like something measured or limited. Remember 約 as a binding or agreed connection between people or things.
| Word | Reading | Meaning | Meta |
|---|---|---|---|
| 約 | やく | approximately, about | common JLPT-N3 Adverb (fukushi) |
| 約束 | やくそく | promise, agreement, arrangement, one's word, contract, pact | common JLPT-N4 Noun, Suru verb, Transitive verb |
| 約数 | やくすう | divisor, factor, measure | Noun |
| 約半分 | やくはんぶん | approximately half | Noun |
| 倹しい | つましい | thrifty, frugal, economical | I-adjective (keiyoushi) |
| 約束手形 | やくそくてがた | promissory note | Noun |
| 約束通り | やくそくどおり | as promised | common Adverb (fukushi), Noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no' |
| 約款 | やっかん | agreement, stipulation, article, clause | Noun |
| 約定 | やくじょう | agreement, stipulation, contract | Noun, Suru verb, Transitive verb |
| 約束を守る | やくそくをまもる | to keep a promise, to keep one's word | Expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.), Godan verb with 'ru' ending |