Inklingo

How to Say "vow" in Spanish

English → Spanish

promesa

proh-MEH-sah/pɾoˈmesa/

nounA1general
Use 'promesa' for any formal or solemn commitment, whether religious or secular, that one makes to another person or to oneself.
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.

voto

VOH-toh/ˈbo.to/

nounB2formal, religious
Choose 'voto' for a solemn promise, especially one made in a religious context, such as to a deity or as part of religious vows.
An illustration showing two hands clasped together tightly, symbolizing a solemn promise or vow.

Examples

Los monjes hicieron un voto de pobreza y humildad.

The monks took a vow of poverty and humility.

Ella cumplió su voto de visitar la iglesia todos los domingos.

She fulfilled her vow to visit the church every Sunday.

Romper un voto es considerado una falta grave.

Breaking a vow is considered a serious offense.

The Verb 'Hacer'

To express the act of taking or making a vow, Spanish uses the verb 'hacer' (to do/make): 'hacer un voto'.

manda

/MAN-dah//ˈman.da/

nounB2religious
Use 'manda' specifically for a religious promise or offering made to a saint or deity, often in exchange for a favor or as an act of devotion.
An illustration of two hands pressed together in a solemn, prayerful gesture above a single brightly burning candle on a simple wooden altar, symbolizing a sacred promise.

Examples

La abuela cumplió su manda caminando descalza hasta el templo.

The grandmother fulfilled her vow by walking barefoot to the temple.

Dejó una manda de flores en el altar.

She left an offering of flowers on the altar.

Always Feminine

As a noun, 'manda' is always feminine, so you will always use 'la manda' or 'una manda'.

Promesa vs. Voto/Manda

Learners often use 'promesa' for all types of vows. Remember that while 'promesa' is a general commitment, 'voto' and 'manda' are more specific, typically implying a religious or deeply solemn promise.

Related Translations

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