約: the kanji for promise; approximately
約 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means promise; approximately. Below are its readings, 3 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
約 is written in 9 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
約 has 1 reading in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 3 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ヤク (yaku)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 約束やくそく · yakusoku | promise |
| 予約よやく · yoyaku | reservation |
| 約やく · yaku | approximately |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 彼との約束を守りました。Kare to no yakusoku o mamorimashita.I kept my promise with him.
- レストランを予約しました。Resutoran o yoyaku shimashita.I made a reservation at the restaurant.
- …会場まで約三十分かかります。Kaijō made yaku sanjuppun kakarimasu.It takes about 30 minutes to the venue.
- 明日会う約束をしました。Ashita au yakusoku o shimashita.We promised to meet tomorrow.
- 会議室を約一時間予約した。Kaigishitsu o yaku ichijikan yoyaku shita.I reserved the meeting room for about an hour.
Questions about 約
How many strokes does 約 have?
約 is written in 9 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 約?
The on readings are yaku (ヤク). 約 has no kun reading in the Jōyō Kanji Table.
What JLPT level is 約?
N3. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N3 falls between the former Levels 2 and 3.
More JLPT N3 kanji
Study and communication
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 約
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.