Definitions
(verb)
to make an appointment; to agree
(noun)
treaty; agreement; contract
(adverb)
approximately; about
About
The character "约", with its traditional form "約", is structured from the silk radical "糸" and the component "勺", reflecting an early semantic association with binding or constraining, as silk threads were used for tying. Its meaning extended from physical binding to abstract agreements, such as pacts or contracts, which conceptually bind parties together. Over time, it developed the sense of approximation, likely originating from the idea of setting limits or boundaries. In contemporary usage, it commonly refers to making appointments or arrangements, while retaining its foundational connotations of restraint in certain lexical contexts.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我们约好明天见。
大约有五个人来了。
他约定时间见面。
节约用水很重要。
他们签了一份合约。
老师约见了学生家长。
我们必须约束自己的行为。
根据约定，双方都应遵守规则。