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promesa

/proh-MEH-sah/

promise

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.

When you make a  promesa, you are making a commitment or pledge.

promesa(noun)

fA1

promise

?

commitment or pledge

Also:

vow

?

formal or solemn commitment

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Making vs. Keeping

Use 'hacer' (to make) when creating the promise, and 'cumplir' (to fulfill) when keeping it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Gender Error

Mistake: "El promesa"

Correction: La promesa. Remember 'promesa' is always feminine, so use 'la' or 'una' before it.

⭐ Usage Tips

A Stronger Commitment

To sound very serious, you can say 'Es una promesa solemne' (It is a solemn promise).

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

A person who shows great potential for success or talent is often called a  promesa.

promesa(noun)

fB1

a promising talent

?

potential for success (person)

Also:

potential

?

future capability (thing)

📝 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

  • potencial (potential)
  • futuro (future)

Common Collocations

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

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'de'

When describing what the potential is for, use the preposition 'de' (of): 'promesa de la ciencia' (a promise of science).

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Context

This meaning is often heard in news reports, reviews, or academic discussions, rather than casual conversation.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: promesa

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'promesa'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

prometer(to promise) - verb
prometido(fiancé / promised) - noun/adjective

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).