Korean word

맹세

Pronunciation

Romanizationmaengse

Meaning

  • nounvow

Example

그는 그녀에게 맹세를 했다.keu neun keu nyeo e ge maeng se reul haet tta

He made a vow to her.

Illustration for 맹세 (vow)

More examples

그는 엄숙하게 맹세를 했다.keu neun eom su ka ge maeng se reul haet tta

He solemnly made a vow.

Core concept

A strong declaration that a person intends to keep a serious promise.

Common phrases

  • 맹세를 하다maeng se reul ha da

    make a vow

  • 맹세를 지키다maeng se reul chi ki da

    keep a vow

Similar words

약속yakssok: A mutual agreement about an action or a time and place to meet.
다짐tajim: A firm personal resolve to follow a chosen course of action.
결심kyeolsim: A firm personal decision about whether to do something.
선서seonseo: A formal oath declared publicly, often with a raised hand.

Definition in Korean

자신의 의지나 약속을 강하게 표명하는 말로, 흔히 ‘맹세를 하다’처럼 쓰이는 명사.cha si nui ui ji na yak sso geul kang ha ge pyo myeong ha neun mal lo heun hi maeng se reul ha da cheo reom sseu i neun myeong sa

Word origin

The word developed from Sino-Korean elements connected with forming a bond and making a sworn promise.

Usage tips

  • It sounds more serious and dramatic than an everyday promise, so it suits important commitments rather than small plans.

Other meanings

  • pledgenoun
  • oathnoun

Related words

  • 맹세하다maengsehadaswearverb
  • 맹세서maengseseooath documentnoun

Word lists with this word