promise / approximately
N3- Onyomi
- ヤク
- Stroke count
- 9
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 約 down and you get 糸 (thread / silk) — a thread wound on its spool, and beside it 勺 (ladle / small measure) — a small ladle curved round a single drop it just scooped up. Picture thread wound onto a spool, put 約 inside it, and let that scene stand for "promise" — promise / approximately. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 9
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は9画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 9 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
契約
keiyaku
contract
節約
setsuyaku
saving (money)
予約
yoyaku
reservation
約束
yakusoku
promise
締約
teiyaku
concluding a treaty
要約
youyaku
summary
Example sentences (5)
新しいアパートの契約をしました。
あたらしい あぱーと の けいやく を しました。
atarashii apaato no keiyaku o shimashita.
I signed a contract for a new apartment.
契約する前に、内容をよく読んでおいたほうがいいです。
けいやく する まえ に、ないよう を よく よんで おいた ほう が いい です。
keiyaku suru mae ni, naiyou o yoku yonde oita hou ga ii desu.
Before signing a contract, it is better to read the terms carefully.
自炊してお金を節約しています。
じすい して おかね を せつやく しています。
jisui shite okane o setsuyaku shiteimasu.
I save money by cooking for myself.
電気代を節約するために、エアコンの設定を変えました。
でんきだい を せつやく する ため に、えあこん の せってい を かえました。
denkidai o setsuyaku suru tame ni, eakon no settei o kaemashita.
To save on electricity, I changed the air-conditioner setting.
七時に二人でレストランを予約しました。
しちじ に ふたり で れすとらん を よやく しました。
shichiji ni futari de resutoran o yoyaku shimashita.
I reserved a restaurant for two at seven.