Inklingo

How to Say "to pledge" in Spanish

English → Spanish

prometer

pro-meh-TEHRpɾomeˈteɾ

verbA2formal/neutral
Use 'prometer' when making a formal or serious commitment, similar to the English 'to promise'. This is the most common translation for pledging one's word.
Two people shaking hands firmly in agreement.

Examples

Te prometo que terminaré el proyecto a tiempo.

I promise you that I will finish the project on time.

Te prometo que llegaré a tiempo.

I promise you that I will arrive on time.

Él me prometió un regalo especial.

He promised me a special gift.

Prometimos no decir nada.

We promised not to say anything.

Using 'Que' with Promises

When you promise that something will happen, you usually use the word 'que' followed by the action. For example: 'Prometo que iré' (I promise that I will go).

Pointing to the Receiver

To show who you are making the promise to, put a small word like 'me' (to me) or 'te' (to you) right before the verb: 'Te prometo' means 'I promise you'.

Don't Forget the 'Que'

Mistake: “Prometo yo voy.”

Correction: Prometo que voy. Just like in English we say 'I promise that...', Spanish almost always requires 'que' when a second action follows.

empeñar

verbB1neutral/informal
Use 'empeñar' when you are literally 'pawning' or putting up an item of value as collateral for a loan, or figuratively 'committing' your word or honor in a very serious, often desperate, situation.

Examples

Tuvo que empeñar su anillo para conseguir dinero para la comida.

He had to pawn his ring to get money for food.

Prometer vs. Empeñar

Learners often confuse 'prometer' and 'empeñar'. Remember that 'prometer' is for general promises or pledges, while 'empeñar' specifically means to pawn an item or to pledge something valuable in a very serious, often negative, context.

Related Translations

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