compromiso
/kom-proh-MEE-soh/
commitment
Compromiso means commitment, like the dedication needed to nurture something until it grows strong.
compromiso(noun)
commitment
?a dedication to a cause or idea
,obligation
?a duty or responsibility you must fulfill
responsibility
?a task or burden assigned
,engagement
?a prior appointment or date
📝 In Action
Mi compromiso con este trabajo es total.
A2My commitment to this job is total.
Lo siento, no puedo ir, tengo un compromiso familiar esta noche.
B1I'm sorry, I can't go, I have a family obligation tonight.
Adquirimos el compromiso de reducir los residuos plásticos.
B2We took on the commitment to reduce plastic waste.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'con' for commitment
When expressing commitment to something, Spanish often uses the preposition 'con' (with) instead of 'a' (to): 'Mi compromiso con la causa'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Compromiso' and 'Compromising'
Mistake: "Using 'compromiso' to mean 'embarrassment' or 'awkward situation'."
Correction: Use 'vergüenza' or 'situación incómoda' instead. 'Compromiso' is strictly about duty or promise.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'un compromiso' when referring to a scheduled event you cannot miss (like a date or meeting) to sound polite and serious.
When compromiso refers to an engagement, it means the promise to marry someone.
compromiso(noun)
engagement
?the promise to marry someone
betrothal
?archaic/formal term for engagement
📝 In Action
Celebraron su compromiso con una gran fiesta.
B1They celebrated their engagement with a big party.
Ella lleva un hermoso anillo de compromiso.
B1She wears a beautiful engagement ring.
💡 Grammar Points
Related verb
The related verb is 'comprometerse' (to get engaged): 'Se comprometieron el verano pasado' (They got engaged last summer).
Compromiso can also mean a compromise, where two parties reach a mutual agreement or settlement.
compromiso(noun)
compromise
?a settlement or agreement reached by mutual concession
middle ground
?a neutral position
,arbitration
?a formal settlement process
📝 In Action
Después de horas de debate, finalmente llegaron a un compromiso.
B2After hours of debate, they finally reached a compromise.
La nueva ley es un compromiso entre los intereses del gobierno y los ciudadanos.
C1The new law is a compromise between the interests of the government and the citizens.
💡 Grammar Points
Reaching a Compromise
To talk about the act of reaching a compromise, always use the verb 'llegar' (to arrive): 'llegar a un compromiso'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
This meaning is most often heard in news reports, business meetings, or serious discussions where opposing groups try to find a solution.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: compromiso
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'compromiso' is used in the sentence: 'El político mostró un gran compromiso social.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'compromiso' the same as 'compromised' in English (meaning exposed or weakened)?
No, that is a common false friend! While 'compromiso' means 'commitment' or 'agreement,' the English sense of something being 'compromised' (like security being weakened) is translated in Spanish as 'estar en riesgo' (to be at risk) or 'poner en peligro' (to endanger).
How do I say 'I am committed' using this word family?
You would use the adjective form: 'Estoy comprometido/a' (I am committed). If you mean committed to a cause, you might say 'Tengo un compromiso firme con...' (I have a firm commitment to...).