promesas rotas
/pɾomesas ɾotas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "broken promises" is translated into Spanish as promesas rotas.
The phrase refers to commitments or vows that a person fails to keep.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of promesas (promises) and rotas (broken), which is the feminine plural past participle of romper (to break).
Which one should you use?
Promesas rotas is the literal translation of "broken promises". In more formal or legal contexts, you may use promesas incumplidas to describe promises or obligations that were not fulfilled.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use promesas no cumplidas to express broken promises.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single broken promise, use the singular form promesa rota.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾomesas ɾotas/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American cultures, the phrase palabra de honor (word of honor) is so strong that a promesa rota is not just a failure of a vow, but is seen as a loss of one's personal identity or 'word'.
- The verb romper is used not only for promesas rotas but also in the phrase romper el silencio, meaning to break a silence or reveal a secret.
- When a promise is broken through betrayal, Spanish speakers in Latin America often say me falló, shifting the focus from the 'broken promise' to the person who 'failed' them.
Examples in context
- Lamentamos el incumplimiento de las promesas hechas durante la campaña electoralWe regret the non-compliance with the promises made during the electoral campaign
- El proyecto fracasó debido a las promesas incumplidas del gobiernoThe project failed because of the government's unfulfilled promises
- Estoy cansado de sus promesas no cumplidasI'm tired of your broken promises
- Me cansan sus promesas rotas.I am tired of his broken promises.
- No quiero más promesas rotas en mi vida.I don't want any more broken promises in my life.
- Las promesas rotas duelen mucho.Broken promises hurt a lot.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are arguing about a missed appointment.
- LucíaDijiste que vendrías a ayudarme, Mateo.You said you would come help me, Mateo.
- MateoLo siento, tuve un problema en el trabajo.I'm sorry, I had a problem at work.
- LucíaSiempre es lo mismo, son solo promesas rotas.It's always the same, they are just broken promises.
- MateoTe juro que voy a cambiar.I swear I am going to change.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
