Explore 約 in agreements and quantities. Learn its reading in complete words and in context.
The idea
約 has 9 strokes and is read やく in 約束（やくそく）, 予約（よやく） and 契約（けいやく）. Before a number, 約 means approximately; use the linked diagram to practise stroke order.
Examples
- 友達と約束をしました。I made a promise to a friend.
- 約束を守ってください。Please keep your promise.
- レストランの席を予約しました。I reserved a table at the restaurant.
- 契約をよく読んでください。Please read the contract carefully.
- 駅まで歩いて約十分かかります。It takes about ten minutes to walk to the station.
- 図書館には約三千冊の本があります。The library has about three thousand books.
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Watch out
約束 is a promise or arrangement, while 予約 is a reservation. 約 before a number marks an approximation, not a promise.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 約束 in hiragana.
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やくそく
約束 is やくそく: 友達と約束をしました means I made a promise to a friend.
Write the reading of 予約 in hiragana.
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よやく
予約 is よやく: レストランの席を予約しました means I reserved a table.
Choose the missing kanji: ＿十（やくじゅう）［約／束］.
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約
約 completes 約十, read やくじゅう; before a number it means about ten.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 約束 in hiragana.
Write the reading of 予約 in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: ＿十（やくじゅう）［約／束］.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write 約 following the diagram, then cover the readings and make a sentence with 約束 or 予約.