Meaning

Primary

About

Alternative

Approximately

Word Type

adverb

Explanation

The kanji means promise, but the meaning of this word is about, which is a little different. Just think about promises. When you promise something you really need to follow through... but only about as much as you need to for the other person to be happy. Someone asks for a puppy for Christmas, and you get them a stuffed animal puppy. It's approximately the promise you made. Close enough. *wink*

Reading

やく
  • Miyuki
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading for this is actually the same one that you learned with the kanji, so no need to memorize anything new!

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 約五十人

    about fifty people

    約半分

    about half

    約三時間

    about three hours

Context Sentences

このゴボウの長さは約2メートルです。

The length of this burdock is approximately two meters.

今までで、約百万人の人がトーフグのフェイスブックページに「いいね」をした。

About a million people have liked Tofugu’s Facebook page so far.

その会社では約三年間働いていました。

I worked at that company for about three years.

Kanji Composition