22 Japanese ways to say “Do you promise?”

Want to sound confident and friendly when asking someone if they promise something in Japanese? You’re in the right place!

Whether you’re chatting with friends, negotiating a deal, or just curious about how to express this simple phrase in different ways, Japanese has plenty of options.

From casual to formal, and even some native-like expressions, you’ll find a variety to match your style.

Learning these phrases can help deepen your conversations and make your Japanese more natural and versatile.

Plus, it’s a fun way to explore the nuances of the language while practicing something meaningful.

Let’s dive into 22 warm and useful ways to ask “Do you promise?” in Japanese!

Understanding Promise in Japanese

Before jumping into the list, it’s good to know that “promise” in Japanese often revolves around the verb 約束する (やくそくする, yakusoku suru), which means “to promise.”

Many of the variations below build on this word or use related expressions that fit different moods and contexts.

Using these phrases appropriately will make your conversations feel more natural and genuine.

Sometimes, a great phrasebook focused on promises can be a handy tool to master these expressions fast.

Try practicing in different situations to see which phrases fit best.

With a little practice, you’ll be ready to ask “Do you promise?” like a native!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 約束する？ (Yakusoku suru?) – “Do you promise?”

This is the most straightforward and casual way to ask “Do you promise?”

“約束 (やくそく, yakusoku)” means “promise” and “する (する, suru)” is the verb “to do.” Put together, it’s “Do you promise?”

It’s quick to say and easy to remember.

Perfect for friends or casual conversations.

You can soften it by adding ね (ne) at the end, like 約束する？ね？ (Yakusoku suru? ne?), which means “You promise, right?”

Use this phrase when you want to check someone’s word without sounding too formal.

2. 本当に約束する？ (Hontō ni yakusoku suru?) – “Do you really promise?”

Adding 本当に (ほんとうに, hontō ni) means “really” or “truly,” which makes your question more emphatic.

It’s a friendly way to double-check sincerity, like saying “Are you really promising?”

This phrase works well when you want to make sure the other person is serious.

Try not to sound too suspicious by keeping your tone light.

For example: ねえ、本当に約束する？ (Nē, hontō ni yakusoku suru?) “Hey, do you really promise?”

It’s a nice way to show that you care about the promise being kept.

3. 約束できる？ (Yakusoku dekiru?) – “Can you promise?”

Instead of asking if they promise, this phrase asks if they “can promise.”

“できる (できる, dekiru)” means “can” or “able to.”

This phrase is casual but thoughtful, good for when you want to check if the promise is possible.

It softens the question and shows you understand limits.

You could say 約束できる？ to a friend who might feel unsure about committing.

Using this phrase helps build trust by acknowledging honesty.

4. 約束してくれる？ (Yakusoku shite kureru?) – “Will you promise for me?”

The ending くれる (kureru) adds a nuance of “doing it for me,” making it more personal.

It’s a casual, friendly way to ask someone to make a promise specifically for your sake.

Try this with close friends or family when you want a heartfelt promise.

It sounds warm and engaging.

For example, 約束してくれる？ (Yakusoku shite kureru?) is like “Will you promise me?”

This phrase strengthens your connection by showing you value the promise personally.

5. 約束だよね？ (Yakusoku da yo ne?) – “It’s a promise, right?”

This phrase is a bit playful and assumes the promise is made, asking for confirmation.

“だよね (da yo ne)” is a casual ending that softens the sentence and seeks agreement.

It’s like saying “We’re clear on the promise, right?”

Great for lighthearted chats or teasing friends.

It’s less formal but very natural in everyday speech.

It helps keep things friendly and fun while confirming the promise.

6. 約束してる？ (Yakusoku shiteru?) – “Are you promising?”

This uses the continuous form, asking if the person is “in the act” of promising.

It’s casual and friendly, often used among close friends.

It can be a quick way to check if someone has made their promise.

It’s more conversational and less formal than other options.

For example, 約束してる？ (Yakusoku shiteru?) can be said when you want a quick check.

It works well in casual, everyday conversations.

7. 約束するって言ったよね？ (Yakusoku suru tte itta yo ne?) – “You said you’d promise, right?”

This phrase uses 言った (いった, itta), meaning “said,” to remind someone of their promise.

It’s casual and friendly, and the ね (ne) at the end seeks confirmation.

This is great for gently reminding a friend about their promise.

It sounds natural and is commonly used in everyday speech.

Example: 「約束するって言ったよね？」 “You said you’d promise, right?”

It’s a warm way to keep promises on track without sounding pushy.

8. 約束守る？ (Yakusoku mamoru?) – “Will you keep your promise?”

Here, 守る (まもる, mamoru) means “to keep” or “to protect.”

This phrase asks if someone will keep their promise, not just say it.

It’s casual but meaningful and shows you care about follow-through.

You can use it with friends or colleagues to emphasize sincerity.

For example: 「約束守る？」 (Yakusoku mamoru?) “Will you keep your promise?”

This phrase encourages accountability in a friendly way.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 約束していただけますか？ (Yakusoku shite itadakemasu ka?) – “Could you please promise?”

This is a very polite way to ask someone to promise using いただけますか (itadakemasu ka), a respectful request form.

It’s perfect for formal situations, like at work or with elders.

Using this phrase shows you respect the other person’s position.

It’s longer but very clear and respectful.

Try it when you want to maintain politeness without sounding too stiff.

For example, 「約束していただけますか？」 “Could you please promise?”

10. お約束いただけますか？ (O-yakusoku itadakemasu ka?) – “May I have your promise?”

Adding the honorific お (o) before 約束 elevates the politeness.

This phrase is formal and humble, often used in business or official settings.

It’s a smooth way to ask for a promise respectfully.

Use it when you want to be very polite and professional.

Example: 「お約束いただけますか？」 “May I have your promise?”

This phrase balances formality and warmth nicely.

11. 約束してもよろしいですか？ (Yakusoku shite mo yoroshii desu ka?) – “Is it okay to promise?”

This is a polite way of asking permission or confirmation to promise.

“よろしいですか (yoroshii desu ka)” means “is it alright?”

It’s formal and respectful.

Good for situations where you want to confirm before making a commitment.

Example: 「約束してもよろしいですか？」 “Is it okay to promise?”

This phrase gently seeks consent with politeness.

12. 約束をお守りいただけますか？ (Yakusoku o omamori itadakemasu ka?) – “Would you kindly keep your promise?”

This phrase politely asks if the person will keep their promise.

守る (まもる, mamoru) means “to keep,” and adding お and いただけますか makes it very respectful.

It’s often used in formal promises or contracts.

Use this when you want to emphasize the importance of keeping a commitment.

Example: 「約束をお守りいただけますか？」 “Would you kindly keep your promise?”

It’s polite and serious without being too harsh.

13. 約束をしていただけますでしょうか？ (Yakusoku o shite itadakemasu deshō ka?) – “Might you promise?”

This is a very polite and humble way to ask for a promise.

Using でしょうか (deshō ka) adds softness to the question.

It’s suitable for formal situations when you want to be especially courteous.

Example: 「約束をしていただけますでしょうか？」 “Might you promise?”

This phrase conveys respect and humility perfectly.

Great for official or delicate conversations.

14. 約束を守っていただけますか？ (Yakusoku o mamotte itadakemasu ka?) – “Could you please keep your promise?”

This is a polite request for someone to keep their promise.

守る (まもる, mamoru) means “to keep,” and the phrase is respectful with いただけますか.

Use it when you want to politely remind or request commitment.

It’s formal but kind.

Example: 「約束を守っていただけますか？」 “Could you please keep your promise?”

This phrase keeps the tone warm and professional.

15. 必ず約束していただけますか？ (Kanarazu yakusoku shite itadakemasu ka?) – “Can you promise without fail?”

必ず (かならず, kanarazu) means “without fail” or “definitely.”

This phrase asks for a firm promise politely.

It adds emphasis on the seriousness of the commitment.

Perfect for important promises or agreements.

Example: 「必ず約束していただけますか？」 “Can you promise without fail?”

Great for formal but urgent contexts.

16. 約束をお願いできますか？ (Yakusoku o onegai dekimasu ka?) – “Could I ask you to promise?”

This phrase politely asks for a promise as a favor.

お願い (おねがい, onegai) means “request” or “favor.”

It’s respectful and warm, suitable for semi-formal situations.

Example: 「約束をお願いできますか？」 “Could I ask you to promise?”

This is a gentle way to ask for a commitment.

It works well when you want to sound courteous yet approachable.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. 約束しよ！ (Yakusoku shiyo!) – “Let’s promise!”

This is a very casual and friendly way to initiate a promise.

しよ (shiyo) is a casual volitional form of する, meaning “let’s do.”

It’s great for friends or close people making a fun agreement.

It sounds enthusiastic and natural.

Example: 「約束しよ！」 “Let’s promise!”

Use this to create a warm, inclusive vibe.

18. マジで約束？ (Maji de yakusoku?) – “Seriously, promise?”

マジで (maji de) means “seriously” or “really” in slang.

This phrase is very casual and used among young people or close friends.

It expresses surprise but also seeks confirmation.

Example: 「マジで約束？」 “Seriously, promise?”

Use this to sound natural and relaxed in informal chats.

It’s a fun way to check if someone is genuinely committing.

19. 約束な！ (Yakusoku na!) – “Promise, okay?”

Adding な (na) at the end is a casual way to emphasize or confirm a promise.

It’s often used between friends or family.

The tone is confident and warm.

Example: 「約束な！」 “Promise, okay?”

It’s short and easy to say.

Perfect for casual reassurance.

20. 絶対約束するから！ (Zettai yakusoku suru kara!) – “I absolutely promise!”

絶対 (ぜったい, zettai) means “absolutely” or “definitely.”

This phrase is used to strongly assure someone of your promise.

It’s casual but very emphatic.

Example: 「絶対約束するから！」 “I absolutely promise!”

Use it when you want to sound determined and trustworthy.

It’s a phrase full of energy and sincerity.

21. 約束したっけ？ (Yakusoku shita kke?) – “Did we promise?”

This phrase is very casual and a little playful.

したっけ (shita kke) is a casual way to ask “Did I/we do?” something.

It’s great for checking if a promise was made, often used among friends.

Example: 「約束したっけ？」 “Did we promise?”

It’s relaxed and easygoing, perfect for light conversation.

Use it when you’re joking or clarifying.

22. 約束だよ！ (Yakusoku da yo!) – “It’s a promise!”

This is a friendly and confident way to declare a promise.

だよ (da yo) adds emphasis with a warm tone.

Use it when you want to reassure someone happily.

Example: 「約束だよ！」 “It’s a promise!”

It’s simple but heartfelt.

Great for closing conversations with a positive vibe.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 22 ways to say “Do you promise?” in Japanese shows how rich and versatile the language is.

From casual chats with friends to polite business requests, each phrase fits a unique moment and feeling.

Keep practicing, and you’ll soon feel confident using these expressions naturally in your conversations. Happy learning!