Making Plans in Korean: 약속 and How to Move It
10-Second Answer
The key word is 약속 (yaksok) — dictionary-translated as "promise," but in daily life it just means "plans/appointment": 약속 있어요 means "I have plans," not "I made a promise." Making plans runs on three questions — 시간 있어요? (do you have time?), 언제 시간 돼요? (when works for you?), and ~ 어때요? (how about ~?).
Setting Up Plans
저녁 같이 먹을래요?
jeonyeok gachi meogeullaeyo?
Want to grab dinner together?
-을래요? — a casual-polite invitation ending.
약속: The False Friend
약속 covers both "promise" AND "plans/appointment" — context decides. 오늘 약속 있어요 = "I have plans today" (the polite-and-vague way to decline an invitation, no details required). 약속했잖아! = "You promised!" The plans-sense is far more common in daily conversation, and using it to excuse yourself is completely standard etiquette — no one will press for specifics.
Rescheduling and Canceling Politely
미안한데, 약속을 미뤄도 될까요?
mianhande, yaksogeul mirwodo doelkkayo?
Sorry, but could we push our plans back?
미루다 = to postpone; -아/어도 될까요? asks permission softly.
갑자기 일이 생겨서 못 갈 것 같아요.
gapjagi iri saenggyeoseo mot gal geot gatayo.
Something suddenly came up, so I don't think I can make it.
일이 생기다 (something came up) + 못 + ~것 같아요 (softening "I think").
다음에 꼭 봐요!
daeume kkok bwayo!
Let's definitely meet next time!
The standard warm closer after canceling — 꼭 (definitely) does the relationship repair.
Notice the formula: apology + reason + ~것 같아요 softener + warm closer. Canceling with a bare 못 가요 ("can't go") sounds abrupt — the padding IS the politeness, the same nunchi logic that runs Korean social life.
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1 — Hearing 약속 있어요 as "I made a promise"
It almost always means "I have plans" — a normal, polite way to be unavailable.
Mistake #2 — Canceling with just 못 가요
Grammatically fine, socially bare. Add the apology, a reason, and 다음에 봐요.
Mini Quiz
1. What does 오늘 약속 있어요 most likely mean?
2. How do you ask "When works for you?"
3. What makes a cancellation sound polite in Korean?
Related Knowledge
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Start today's study →Last updated: 2026-08-11 · Written and reviewed by a native Korean speaker.