Inklingo

How to Say "promise" in Spanish

English → Spanish

palabra

/pa-LA-bra//paˈla.βɾa/

nounB1general
Use 'palabra' when referring to a solemn pledge or assurance, often implying honor and trustworthiness, similar to giving your 'word' in English.
Two diverse human hands firmly clasped in a handshake, symbolizing a promise or commitment.

Examples

Te doy mi palabra de que te ayudaré.

I give you my word that I will help you.

Ella es una mujer de palabra; si lo dijo, lo hará.

She is a woman of her word; if she said it, she'll do it.

No puedes retirar tu palabra ahora.

You can't take back your promise now.

promesa

proh-MEH-sah/pɾoˈmesa/

nounA1general
Use 'promesa' for a commitment or pledge made by someone, focusing on the promise itself rather than the act of giving one's word.
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.

Examples

Hiciste una promesa y debes cumplirla.

You made a promise and you must keep it.

La promesa de matrimonio fue muy romántica.

The promise of marriage (engagement) was very romantic.

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

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

Making vs. Keeping

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

Gender Error

Mistake: “El promesa”

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

Palabra vs. Promesa

Learners often confuse 'palabra' and 'promesa' because both relate to commitments. Remember that 'palabra' emphasizes the act of giving your word or assurance (like 'I give you my word'), while 'promesa' refers to the promise itself that was made.

Related Translations

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