婚約 — meaning in English: engagement

kon'yaku · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for engagement

初め

hajime

閉鎖

heisa

保守的

hoshuteki

婚約

kon'yaku

パス

pasu

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neutral common

Usage

The word 婚約 (kon'yaku) is commonly used during official announcements of engagement, such as in family gatherings or wedding planning discussions. You might hear it when a couple shares their news with friends or when discussing the engagement ring and ceremony details.

Synonyms & nuances

While 婚約 (kon'yaku) specifically refers to the formal engagement, another word, 交際 (kōsai), implies dating or courtship. You would use 婚約 when announcing a commitment to marry, whereas 交際 is more suitable for describing a romantic relationship that may or may not lead to marriage.

Culture

The term 婚約 (kon'yaku) stems from the kanji 婚, meaning 'marriage,' and 約, which means 'promise' or 'agreement.' This highlights the cultural significance of commitment in Japanese society, where engagements are seen as a serious promise to marry rather than a mere formality.

FAQ

Q.What is the kanji for engagement in Japanese?

The kanji for engagement in Japanese is 婚約 (kon'yaku), combining the characters for marriage and promise.

Q.How do I use 婚約 in a sentence?

You can use 婚約 in a sentence by saying, '私たちは婚約しました' (Watashitachi wa kon'yaku shimashita), which means 'We got engaged.'

Q.Are there different types of engagements in Japanese culture?

Yes, in Japanese culture, there can be several types of engagements, including formal announcements and informal agreements. The term 婚約 generally refers to a formal engagement, which is often accompanied by specific traditions and ceremonies.

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