Meaning and Usage
The word "婚約" (こんやく) means "engagement" or "betrothal," referring to the formal agreement between two people to marry. It is a noun used in both formal and everyday contexts when discussing relationships and marriage plans.
Common Contexts
"婚約" often appears in conversations about wedding preparations, announcements, and social events related to marriage. It can be used with verbs like "する" (to do) to express the act of getting engaged.
Collocations and Patterns
- 婚約する: to get engaged
- 婚約指輪 (こんやくゆびわ): engagement ring
- 婚約期間 (こんやくきかん): engagement period
These collocations are frequently used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Register and Nuance
"婚約" is a neutral term appropriate for formal announcements and casual conversations alike. It conveys a serious commitment but is not overly formal or archaic.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "婚約" with "結婚" (marriage). Remember, "婚約" is the promise or agreement before marriage, while "結婚" is the actual marriage ceremony or state.