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promesa

proh-MEH-sah/pɾoˈmesa/

“promesa” means “promise” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

promise

Also: vow
NounfA1
Two cartoon characters, one taller and one shorter, standing and firmly shaking hands in the center of the frame to symbolize a commitment or pledge.

📝 In Action

Hiciste una promesa y debes cumplirla.

A1

You made a promise and you must keep it.

La promesa de matrimonio fue muy romántica.

A2

The promise of marriage (engagement) was very romantic.

Rompí mi promesa de no comer chocolate, ¡lo siento!

B1

I broke my promise not to eat chocolate, I'm sorry!

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • traición (betrayal)

Common Collocations

  • cumplir una promesa – to keep a promise
  • hacer una promesa – to make a promise
  • romper una promesa – to break a promise

Idioms & Expressions

  • palabra de promesa – word of honor/solemn oath

a promising talent

Also: potential
NounfB1
A happy, small child looking up with excitement while holding a tiny, brightly glowing yellow star in their hands, symbolizing future potential.

📝 In Action

Dicen que esta nueva tecnología es la promesa del futuro.

B1

They say this new technology holds the promise of the future.

La joven pianista es considerada una promesa de la música clásica.

B2

The young pianist is considered a rising star (a promise) of classical music.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • una firme promesa – a firm promise/strong potential
  • la gran promesa – the great potential/rising star

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "promesa" in Spanish:

potential→promise→vow→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: promesa

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'promesa'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *promissa*, which was the feminine past form of the verb *promittere*, meaning 'to send forth' or 'to guarantee.' It has always carried the sense of declaring something that will happen in the future.

First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: promessaPortuguese: promessa

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'promesa' and 'prometer'?

'Promesa' is the thing itself—the commitment (the noun). 'Prometer' is the action of making that commitment (the verb: to promise).