Spanish Conversation · Level 39
74 words
Spanish word
promesa
Pronunciation
IPA/pɾoˈmesa/
Meaning
- feminine nounpromise
Example
Siempre cumple su promesa.
He always keeps his promise.
More examples
Después de la reunión, hizo una promesa de mejorar el servicio.
After the meeting, he made a promise to improve the service.
Core concept
Verbal vow where the speaker accepts responsibility to do something in the future.
Common phrases
hacer una promesa
make a promise
cumplir una promesa
keep a promise
romper una promesa
break a promise
Similar words
compromiso: Assumption of responsibility or obligation to act, often long-term.
palabra: Informal spoken assurance to keep one's word.
acuerdo: Mutual arrangement made by two or more parties.
juramento: Formal oath sworn in an official setting to affirm truth or loyalty.
Definition in Spanish
Declaración verbal de que una persona hará algo en el futuro y que crea una obligación moral para quien la hace.
Word origin
Comes from Latin promissum via promittere, where pro- 'forward' and mittere 'send' create the idea of promising ahead.
Usage tips
- When certainty is lacking, native speakers prefer softer phrases like intentaré or haré lo posible instead of prometer to avoid damaging trust.